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ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SECONDARY SCHOOL AGORA SEMINAR OVERVIEW SBPS 2016 The Agora Seminar is a unique part of the secondary school college preparatory curriculum which aims at connecting the learning in the classroom to a real world experience. WHAT WERE THE AGORA? Defined as a central meeting place or as “open gathering spaces,” Agora refers to the center of artistic, athletic, spiritual and political life of Ancient Greek City States. Some of the world's most important ideas were born and perfected within the confines of the Athenian agora including, famously, the concept of democracy. Scientific theory also got its start in the agora, where the city's greatest minds regularly met informally to socialize. Socrates, Plato and Aristotle all frequented the Athenian agora, discussed philosophy and instructed pupils there. WHY IS THE PROGRAM CALLED “AGORA?” Capturing the theme of “open gathering spaces” for learning, SBPS faculty look at the world as our classroom and instructional toolbox. Deep learning, thinking, creating, sharing and problem-solving happened at the Agora of the ancient Greek cities. By creating bi-monthly, interdisciplinary seminar classes, all our students have the opportunity to participate in enriching learning opportunities throughout the year. We will then take our learning out into the larger classrooms of our city, nation and world. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE AGORA SEMINAR AT SBPS? The purpose of Agora at SBPS is to provide students an opportunity to delve into a subject area and experience learning outside of the classroom. This authentic, interdisciplinary approach to learning is guided by some of the best practices of the Framework for 21st Century Learning. Some of these standards suggest that 21st Century learning should ● Focus on 21st century skills, content knowledge and expertise. ● Build understanding across and among core subjects as well as 21st century interdisciplinary themes ● Emphasize deep understanding rather than shallow knowledge ● Engage students with the real world data, tools, and experts they will encounter in college, on the job, and in life--students learn best when actively engaged in solving meaningful problems ● Enable students to learn in relevant, real world 21st century contexts expanded community and international involvement in learning ● Encourage the integration of community resources beyond school walls HOW WILL THE AGORA SEMINAR WORK? For a week in April, students and faculty will work together to better understand a specific area of academic interest. We will move our classrooms to other “open gathering spaces” in our city, country and world. Agora seminars are designed to be interdisciplinary and are taught collaboratively by all members of our faculty. In preparation for our week immersion in April, students will meet in their Agora seminar groups twice a month for 40 minutes each time to begin learning about their topics. Upon returning to school, each Agora group will host a presentation of their experience to the student body. Each high school student will receive ½ elective credit for their Agora Seminar at the end of the third trimester. Middle School students will receive one cumulative grade on their final report card. Seminars that include community service will also have the service hours recorded on their transcripts. 2
Agora Seminar Guidelines for Grades 6-8
Students in grades 6-8 will attend the week long immersion with their classmates. Students will have set Agora Seminar experiences beginning in 6th grade with a week-long tour of our great city of Chicago and its diverse neighborhoods. In 7th grade students will venture to Springfield, Starved Rock and Galena to uncover the rich history and geography of Illinois. In 8th grade students will tour Washington D.C. AGORA Week will take place the week of April 18-22. Students and families will be provided with detailed itineraries in the Fall of 2015. General Policies ● Participation in AGORA Seminar is a requirement for students in grades 6-8. ● Students are expected to complete all assignments, projects and reflections in accordance with the individual seminar. ● Students are expected to participate fully and reflect on their learning in their electronic portfolios. ● Students will receive letters of completion which will be included with all report cards and records being sent with high school applications. ● Parents will meet with the Agora faculty at Back to School Night in September to learn about more specific details and policies that are specific to their child’s experience. ● All rules and expectations in the student handbook will pertain to all students participating in the Agora Seminar. ● Individual trips will be provided with field trip waivers. ● Students in grades 7-8 who want to attend the Greece and Turkey trip must have their parents submit an email requesting approval from Ms. Mickelburgh and Ms. Gemo stating why they want to attend the trip. Registration and payment information For grades 6-7, the Agora costs are included in your child’s tuition. For the 8th grade, this curriculumbased trip has replaced the 8th grade class trip in May due to the funding normally done for the 8th grade trip. All 8th grade Agora payments are paid directly to the tour company.
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Agora Seminar Guidelines for Grades 9-12
Students in grades 9-12 will have the choice to either travel to international locations, locations in the United States, or remain close to home in Chicago, delving into various topics of interest. It is strongly recommended that a student select one Chicago experience in their four years at SBPS. AGORA Week will take place the week of April 18-22, 2016. Students and families will be provided with detailed itineraries in the Fall of 2015. Students who are traveling abroad may leave prior to April 18th. Registration and Payment Information Students and parents must complete the attached registration form and return to school by July 30th/ Business Day. Students must indicate their top four choices. We will do our best to give the students their first choice. Many Agora seminars have a limited number of spots; these spots will be designated on a first come first serve basis. Parents will also have the option of rolling the cost of the seminar into their FACTS accounts. The Greece and Turkey Trip will be paid directly to Perillo Tours. General Policies (9-12) ● Participation in AGORA is a graduation requirement for students in grades 9-12. Students will be issued ½ credits for successful participation. Credit and grade will be issued Trimester 3. ● Students are expected to complete all assignments, projects and reflections in accordance with the individual seminar. ● Students are expected to participate fully and reflect on their new understanding in their Portfolios. ● All rules and expectations in the student handbook will pertain to all students participating in the Agora Seminar. ● Individual trips will be provided with field trip waivers. ● SBPS reserves the right to cancel a seminar due to low enrollment. ● SBPS reserves the right to move faculty members to other Agora seminars due to extenuating circumstances. IMPORTANT DATES & Parent Info Sessions July 30, 2015- Students submit registration choices & FACTS Payment Plan agreements September 2015- Parent Meetings in Agora seminar at Back to School Night September 2015-Students begin meeting in their Agora groups. March/April 2016- Overnight Trips will hold parent meetings to discuss final details for out of town trips.
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AGORA SEMINAR TOPICS International (Grades 9-12)
U.S.A. (Grades 9-12)
Chicago (Grades 9-12)
Grades 6-8
Following in the Footsteps of St. Paul (pg.19) -Greece, Turkey (open to grades 7-12) - Ms. Gemo, Father Jason, Ms. Deletioglu
The Okiciyapi Tipi Habitat for Humanity-South Dakota (p. 16) - Ms. Hersey, Mr. Hilty, Ms. Deady, Ms. Waldron - Limit: 17 students - Cost: $850
STEM Chicago (p. 9) - Mr. Josef, TBA - Limit 20 students - Cost: $500
Grade 6 (p. 7) Discover Chicago! - Mr. Accardi, Mrs. Alippo, Mr. Rosskamm - Cost: included in tuition
Organic & Sustainable Farming-Illinois/Missouri (p.17) - Mr. Deakins, TBA - Limit: 10 students - Cost: $700
Backstage Chicago (p.10) - Ms. Roberts, TBA - Limit 15 students - Cost: $600
Grade 7 (p. 7) Discover Illinois! - Mr. Potempa, Mrs. Kent, Mrs. Leen - Cost: included in tuition
The NYC Experience (p.19) - Ms. Mickelburgh, Mr. Sowinski - Limit: 12 students - Cost: $2400 ction of
Service-Chicago (p.9) -Youth Minister (TBA), Mr. Masterton - Limit: 20 students - Cost: $225
Grade 8 (p. 6) Discover Washington D.C.! - Mr. McQuade, Ms. Voynovich, Ms. Weiske, TBA - Cost: $1550
*7th and 8th must receive administrative approval to attend. This trip is also open to adults.
(This service trip will be fundraised to reduce cost)
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Textiles, Fibers, and Weaving (p.10) - Ms. Navia - Limit: 10 students - Cost: $500 Chicago Music! (p.14) - Ms. Cowen, Mr. O’Neill - Limit: 15 students - Cost: $600 Literature: Chicago Authors (p.14) - Ms. Mocarski, Mrs. Fox - Limit: 25 students - Cost: $250 Mosaics (p.13) - Mrs. Stone, Ms. Mueller - Limit: 20 students - Cost: $400 Culinary Arts (p. 12) - Ms. Cox, Mrs. Hybinette - Limit: 16 students - Cost: $900 Dance Chicago! (p. 11) - Mrs. Grabe-Liddell, Ms. Pietras, - Limit: 15 students - Cost: $600
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AGORA SEMINAR DESCRIPTIONS AND GOALS AGORA: GRADES 6-8
Students will complete their Agora seminar and immersion week in their grade levels.
GRADE 8: WASHINGTON D.C.
Learning Goals ● Students will deepen their understanding of American History ● Students will connect memorials to historical context and importance ● Students will demonstrate knowledge about the pivotal influence of past presidents (John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Franklin D. Roosevelt) ● Deepen understanding of the three branches of government and the balance of powers ● Students will examine modern U.S. History themes including: previous major wars, the Civil Rights Movement, the Great Depression, and the New Deal. ● Students will gain perspective on atrocities such as the Holocaust and 9-11. Description While students are learning the beginning of our federal government and early presidents, they will also be able to explore critical modern events such as: the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam Conflict, and the Space Race. While visiting the Capitol and the Supreme Court students will understand the balance of powers that exist in our government. The M.L.K memorial will lead us into a lesson on how American citizens can use their rights to achieve social change. Through classroom study, students will explore political and social conflicts between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Students will also analyze how government, social, and political events interweave and influence our world today. By reading historical accounts, students will examine primary sources and multimedia outlets. Their culminating project will be to create and share a blog, which will illustrate their experiences and thoughts on the topics they’ve learned. Upon return students will present their blogs to their classmates and parents, showing all that they have discovered. Cost: $1550 paid directly to Tour Services Washington D.C. Faculty Team Dave McQuade is in his fourth year teaching Social Studies for grades 6-8 at SBPS. He graduated in History at Stephen F. Austin State University. This will be Mr. McQuade’s second visit to Washington D.C., his first being on the 8th grade inaugural DC trip last March. He looks forward to sharing this experience with this year’s 8th grade class and bringing back many items to use in the classroom. Zora Voynovich is in her second year teaching Mathematics for grades 6 and 9 at SBPS. She majored in mathematics and history at DePaul University, and earned her Masters from DePaul as well. This will be Ms. Voynovich’s second trip to Washington D.C. as she went as an 8th grader with her class. Sarah Weiske (formerly Kinzler) is in her second year teaching Secondary Language Arts at SBPS. She majored in secondary education and history at Loyola University-Chicago. This will be Mrs. Weiske’s first visit to Washington D.C. She looks forward to helping the students analyze and summarize nonfiction, early American documents.
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GRADE 7: Discover Illinois
Learning Outcomes · Students will understand the varied geographical features of Illinois. · Students will gain deepen their knowledge of President Lincoln. · Students will gain exposure to the state government in preparation for 8th grade. · Students will gain a deeper knowledge of Illinois’ role during the Civil War. · Students will understand the importance the Mississippi River on Illinois and the region. · Students will explore the history of Chicago. The 7th grade students will be exploring their state of Illinois. This trip will be a three day, two night trip. The remaining two days will be spent in Chicago. The trip will visit the geographically beautiful Starved Rock State Park. The journey will continue to the state capital where the students will get an up close look at our state government and also to take in the Lincoln sites. The final stop on the trip will be to Galena, where students will learn about General Grant and the Civil War as well as learn of the importance the Mississippi River has played for our state and region. Students will also take part in an exploration field trip of Chicago by visiting the Chicago History Museum and other neighborhoods in the area. The students will travel via coach bus and leave from and return to school. Cost: Included in Tuition Illinois and Springfield Trip Faculty: Robert Potempa has worked in our secondary school over the last six years as both teacher and administrator. Mr. Potempa is well acquainted with the area as this is his second time for this Agora trip. Peggy Leen is in her third year as inclusion facilitator for the secondary school. She is looking forward to chaperoning this trip as well. Mary Jo Kent is in her second year teaching 6th-12th grade Art at SBPS. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education from Northern Illinois University. Mrs. Kent has experience teaching Art at Maine West High School and St. Joseph High School. Her students have won Art Awards at the 7th Congressional Art Competition, the Lemont Loves the Arts and the Skyline Newspaper Holiday Art Competition. Mrs. Kent enjoys history and looks forward to exploring the history of Chicago and Illinois with our students.
GRADE 6: DISCOVER CHICAGO Description The 6th graders will embark on a week-long adventure discovering Chicago. We will learn the history of our founders as well as the cultures that make our neighborhoods unique and rich in diversity. As we discover different neighborhoods, we will also sample food, explore different religions and learn about different types of architecture throughout our travels. This tour will introduce our students to the very fibers that make up our hometown, Chicago. Students will participate in the excursions during the normally scheduled school day from 8:00-3:00 each day. 7
Cost: Included in Tuition Discover Chicago Faculty Team Jennifer Alippo is a secondary science teacher at SBPS. She received her Master’s Degree in Science for Science Education from DePaul University. She has been teaching for 18 years, 14 of which have been at SBPS. Joe Accardi is the Mission Advancement Officer at SBPS. He has been working in the Archdiocese of Chicago for 26 years first as a middle school homeroom teacher for 14 years and for the last 12 years in administration. Having a love for local history and geography, Mr. Accardi is looking forward to sharing this love with the 6th graders as we explore the “patchwork quilt” of neighborhoods we know as our hometown, Chicago. Doug Rosskamm is a secondary math teacher at SBPS. Last year was his first year teaching, having spent over 30 years working in corporate finance prior to retiring from Abbott Laboratories. Mr. Rosskamm has a BS in Accounting from Duke University, a MBA in finance from Indiana University, and he did his math certification work at Northeastern Illinois University. PARENTS NEEDED: We will also be looking for daily parent chaperones to assist with supervision of students. These chaperones must be approved volunteers and have completed Virtus Training, a criminal background check, and attend Agora Chaperone Training. Parents do not need to attend the entire week, more information will be sent later in the school year.
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AGORA: CHICAGO AND LOCAL AREA CHOICES (GRADES 9-12)
STEM CHICAGO
n o i t a r t s i g re d e s clo
Description This is an exploration of various STEM and science career opportunities that surround us in the community. During this week we will explore and learn about various career opportunities. Possibilities include Marine Biology (SHEDD Aquarium), Engineering (Ford Motor plant), and much, much more. Students will have the opportunity to experience handson learning and exploring the wide variety of science and technology careers that surround you in the Chicagoland area. The goal of this exploratory program is to simply build individual interest in various STEM careers through hands-on learning and discovery. Some learners may develop an intense interest in a particular STEM career path. Students who participate in this program should be prepared to jump in and physically interact with the world around us. Students will be required to physically participate in all activities and project opportunities. Tentative Cost: $500 Faculty Ms. Janelle Stolz is in her first year of teaching at SBPS. She earned her BS at Illinois State University, she currently teaches science in the secondary school.
SERVICE CHICAGO
Description In Chicago, it is easy to see the skyscrapers, cultural landmarks, and tourist sights, but we must look much harder for the invisible populations -- marginalized people end up beyond the usual parameters of our daily sight due to homelessness, unemployment, medical issues, and many other challenging factors. Sometimes, people's poor decisions complicate their state in life, but often, social structures and accepted norms put them there, or at least keep them there. Classroom preparations will focus on different characteristics, causes, and effects of marginalization and its populations, and then we will look to Catholic Social Teaching and Scripture to help us formulate our response. We will strive to connect a fuller awareness of marginalized people with a call to do justice according to our Scripture and Tradition. Cost: $225 Faculty: Dan Masterton -Campus Minister TBA- Youth Minister
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TEXTILES, FIBERS, WEAVING
Description Students will engage in artistic endeavors using the medium of natural textiles. Possible activities range from weaving, knitting, fiber spinning, and wool felting, as well as dyeing with natural plants. Esther’s Place offers a range of programs for groups of varying sizes and ages. This Agora is in the initial stages of development. Cost: $500 Faculty Leslie Navia is in her first year at St. Ben’s, teaching Spanish. She received her B.A. at the University of Illinois. She has a passion for working with textiles and is excited to be chaperoning this trip!
BACKSTAGE CHICAGO Objectives The city of Chicago offers a great deal of opportunities for students who would like to submerge themselves in the arts. We will explore the backstage of Second City, meet a professional casting crew, gain a glimpse of the newspaper and book review process, explore the inner workings of public radio, and go to a production of a Chicago play. Students will also have opportunities to compose their own comedic piece, write poetry for an open mic, and create their own radio newscast about the arts in a final multi-media production. Description Students participating in “Backstage Chicago” will explore several literary art forms throughout the city. They will be given several hands-on learning activities throughout the week to enhance their understanding of various literary experiences. The Second City workshop will provide students with an opportunity to participate in improvisational exercises. Students will also learn how writers develop characters for the stage, and will have an opportunity to create their own comedic characters. Students will also learn about how actors are cast in different character roles, as well as meet with the professional backstage theater crew. In addition, students will see a live on stage performance of Chicago’s best. Students will explore the behind-the-scenes work of a Chicago Tribune book reviewer and play critic. Later they will tour the workings of the Chicago Tribune. Afterwards, students will visit the famed Billy Goat Tavern, a popular lunch stop for many Chicago Tribune employees. The Billy Goat Tavern is also the inspiration behind a famous Saturday Night Live comedy sketch. We will meet with a National Public Radio personality and have opportunities to listen to various NPR shows including “This I Believe” podcast. Students will have the opportunity to write their own “This I Believe” reflection and listen to various podcasts highlighting actors, directors, writers, and recent plays. As part of the culminating project, students will compose a media production highlighting their Chicago adventure and their own creative performances. 10
Student Requirements Students will be expected to read or listen to several short stories and essays pertaining to places visited throughout the week. Students will select their own composition to present and will be required to work within a group to complete a final multimedia production that highlights the week’s events. Faculty Amy Roberts currently teaches Creative Writing, World Literature, and College Research and Writing at SBPS. She earned a B.A in English from Bryn Mawr College, a M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and M.Ed. from DePaul University. Excited to be exploring Chicago with students, Ms. Roberts looks forward to opening backstage doors to see how ideas are transformed into shows, articles, books, and plays. Cost: $600 per student
DANCE CHICAGO!
Course Description This Fine and Applied Arts exploratory curricular program will give our students an immersive, weeklong learning experience in which they can discover their talents, unique abilities and values within the realm of movement. This specific program takes into account students’ rapidly changing interests and different motivational levels. Students will be immersed in intense technical training in various forms of dance such as modern, ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz. Additionally, other genres of dance may be woven into the curriculum. Learning Outcome The goal of this exploratory program is to simply build individual interest in the art of dance through active participation on all sensory levels. Some learners may develop an intense interest in the art of movement, while others might have only a casual interest. Requirements for Participation Students who participate in this program should have an open mind and be ready to experience new things. Students will be required to physically participate in all movement based activities, classes, and/or performance opportunities. Tentative Cost: $600 Faculty Yvonne Grabe-Liddell is in her eighth year of teaching at SBPS. She earned a BA from DePaul University and currently teaches Dance, Conditioning, and Kinesiology in the secondary school. Currently, she is also the owner and director of Yvonne’s Dance Academy. Paulina Pietras joined the SBPS community through Yvonne’s Dance Academy and currently teaches both Language Arts at SPBS and various styles of dance at YDA.
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CULINARY ARTS Objective: To explore our passion for cooking (and eating) while learning life-long culinary skills from professional chefs! Meeting Daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: $900 Course Description Our Culinary Arts Agora chefs will get a valuable cooking experience during our Agora week at the Chopping Block! Students will tackle a five-day culinary boot camp that explores the fundamentals of cooking while putting our passion for food to the test. By the time our young chefs put their tools away at the end of April they will have whipped up some unbelievable delights and built a foundation of cooking skills that will last a lifetime. Each day one of the Chopping Block’s talented professional chefs will guide us through a different skill set, touching on everything from the proper way to dice an onion to the perfect béchamel to how to butcher a whole chicken--and beyond. It is a hands-on, action-packed celebration of food for all! The five-day course will culminate in a team Iron Chef Competition—our opportunity to show off the skills we've worked hard for throughout the week. Learning Outcomes The main goal of our Agora group is to get passionate about food while building a strong foundation of cooking skills that will last a lifetime, and potentially jumpstart some careers in the culinary world! Faculty Madame Ashley Cox fell in love with the French language during her first day of high school French class in small-town Ohio (and with food long before that). She fell so hard for French, in fact, that she ended up pursuing a B.A. in French from Indiana University and then an M.A. in French from The University of Wisconsin-Madison (go Badgers). She then fulfilled a dream she’d had since that first day in high school French class and spent two years in Paris, France working as an English instructor at Université Paris X-Nanterre. Her travels then took her to New York City, where she taught both English and French at a private language school in Manhattan. She joined the St. Benedict community as secondary school French teacher in 2013, and one of the most fulfilling and exciting parts of her job was being a part of the Culinary Agora group in 2014. Just like the French, Mme Cox cooks and eats with passion and can’t wait to join a new team of aspiring chefs and fellow gourmands for Agora 2016! Jean Hybinette is an alumna of St. Benedict High School and continues to have the privilege of teaching at St. Benedict Preparatory School. She has earned her B.S.B.E. from DePaul University. She has received numerous awards for her teaching excellence and contributions to the school, including induction into St. Benedict Hall of Fame, Benedictine Award, and Teacher of the Year 2012. She teaches the study skills and technology courses.
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CHICAGO MOSAICS Mosaic is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials. It is a technique of decorative art, as well as interior and exterior decoration. Objective Students will learn about the history, design and execution of this art form. They will explore, help design and execute a large mosaic that will be installed at the school representing one of the five tenets the school is built on. This work of art will provide each student the opportunity to become part of the legacy it is sure to grow into. Additionally they will complete a smaller individual piece of their own. In preparation for Agora week the students will explore the downtown area and investigate the variety and types of mosaics that adorn our fair city. In class they will delve into the building of Christian basilicas in the late 4th century, and examine how wall and ceiling mosaics were adopted for Christian uses. The students will be instructed by professional artists from The Chicago Mosaic School. Since it was founded in early 2005, it has become the center of education for Mosaic Arts in the United States. As the first non-profit school of its kind, CMS provides opportunity for study with an academic, materially-oriented approach to art education in the World Master tradition. Now in its 10th year, this school gives artists, teachers, and enthusiasts a place to explore all facets of mosaics- from classical reproduction to contemporary abstraction. CMS has hosted some of the world’s most influential mosaic instructors; they have come to CMS from as far as Italy, England, France, Japan and Australia. The influence of the a new generation of mosaic artists is beginning to be seen around the world through the recognition of the work of our students. We are fortunate to have CMS as one of our partners in the Protégé Internship Program. Our students will learn the basic techniques, tools and materials involved in creating mosaics. The class will cover cutting, proper adhesives, substrates, design/layout, wide variety of materials like sheet glass(stained glass) and smalti as well as the craft of grouting. Meeting Time During Agora Week: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., daily Cost: $400 -- includes daily lunch and snacks as well as all materials and tools used in the production of both mosaics. Transportation to and from Chicago Mosaic School will not be provided. Students are expected to get to and from CMS on their own. CMS is located at 1809 W. Cuyler, Chicago, ½ mile northeast of the St. Benedict Preparatory School campus. Faculty Suzanne Stone holds her Master In Fine Arts from The Catholic University of America. She has directed the Protégé Internship Program at St. Benedict Preparatory School for four years. She has developed relationships with many of the business professionals in our neighborhood and beyond and placed her interns in a wide variety of positions. She is delighted to have Chicago Mosaic School as a Protégé Partner as well as an Agora consort! 13
Tresa Mueller has been the guidance counselor at St. Benedict Preparatory school for the last six years. She completed her undergraduate work in Art History and History at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, and her Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. Past St. Benedict trips have taken her to Washington D.C. and China, but she is looking forward to staying closer to home to share this unique experience!
CHICAGO MUSIC!
Objective Students will connect with professionals of the music industry and be exposed to various world music genres and cultures such as African, Japanese, Chinese, Greek, Latin America, and more. Description Chicago Music! will allow participants to explore world music. Through attending a myriad of concerts, workshops, and cultural centers the students will intensely study the culture aspect, background history, instrumentation, and style of each type of music. During this week, the students will attend performances, interact with professional musicians, and experience different cultures. Cost: $600 per student - includes daily transportation, daily meals, cost of tickets for shows, and workshop fees. Faculty Miriam Cowen has a Bachelor of Choral Music Education degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Ms. Cowen continues to perform in locations around the world. Most recently she performed this past summer in Korea as a choral conductor and solo performer. Ms. Cowen teaches 2nd-6th grade general music and 7th-12th digital music and chorus at SBPS. Brian O’Neill is finishing his second year of teaching mathematics at SBPS. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a secondary teaching degree in mathematics and biology, and is currently earning his Masters of Differentiated Instruction at Concordia University. He has a great affinity for the arts and cannot wait to promote the connections between math and music through this submersion experience.
CHICAGO AUTHORS Description The city of Chicago has been the home to great authors, poets, and playwrights as well as the setting for some classics of American Literature. We will read and discuss works by Ernest Hemingway, Carl Sandburg, Gwendolyn Brooks, Upton Sinclair, and other authors, as well as explore some of the notable locations in the authors’ lives and works. Objectives/Learning Outcomes • Students will read works of different genres by 20th century authors who lived in and/or were influenced by life in Chicago. 14
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Students will visit locations referenced in texts and compare what they see with the descriptions from those texts. Students will write about the locations visited as well as create an original piece of writing that focuses on their own Chicago experiences.
Student Requirements Students will be expected to read selections by the authors we will be studying and write reflections on their experiences from their visits to locations of the texts we read. Faculty: Julie Fox has been at St. Benedict Prep for 12 years as Athletic Director and teacher in the English Department. Mrs. Fox earned her B.A. in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She plans on teaching American Literature this year, and through this Agora trip she will be able to enjoy the benefits of literature based in Chicago. Mrs. Fox is thrilled to be partnering with Ms. Mocarski on this trip! Carrie Mocarski has been teaching English and Language Arts at St. Ben’s for five years and is the chair of the English Department. Though she teaches British Literature, she is looking forward to this opportunity to explore significant American authors with students. Cost: $250 - includes daily lunch, transportation, admission to museums and/or historic sites, and texts of authors being studied.
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AGORA: ACROSS AMERICA and THE WORLD OKICIYAPI TIPI HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Dates and Times: Saturday, April 16 – Saturday, April 23, 2016 Website: http://okiciyapitipi.weebly.com Cost: $850 Objective To explore and learn about historical as well as present issues facing individuals living on Reservations today. Through our week of service, we will partner with Habitat Humanity to take steps in helping to solve the housing crisis on the Lakota Sioux Reservation, where most families suffer from overcrowding and a lack of running water, heat, and bathroom facilities. Course Description and Learning Outcomes Come to the heart of the Great Lakota Sioux Nation! Walk in the footsteps of Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Touch the Clouds, and many others. Learn about the history, culture, traditions, and spirituality of the Lakota People. Hear the stories of times past as you help to build and rehabilitate homes for the people of the Reservation. Student Requirements ● Application and interview are required to be considered for this trip. ● Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing ● All St. Benedict school rules will apply while on the trip. ● Previous service immersion trips are suggested as a prerequisite to this trip. ● Students should be prepared of the physical nature of the service work we will be doing, such as lifting and carrying heavy objects, climbing ladders, and spending long hours in the sun. ● Students should have a strong passion and desire for service and social justice. The majority of this trip is actively participating in service work. Days at the work site will at minimum be eight hours long with intermittent breaks. Faculty Megan Hersey is in her fourth year teaching Social Studies at SBPS. Ms. Hersey earned her B.A. in History and Secondary Education from Loyola University of Chicago. A native of New England, Ms. Hersey is excited to share her passion for history, culture, and social justice with students through this service immersion trip to South Dakota. Maggie Deady teaches Theology at St. Benedict’s. This is her second year working for SBPS and enjoys teaching and working as theater coordinator. Ms. Deady earned her B.A. in Secondary Education Social Studies from the University of Dayton. As a deeply spiritual person, Ms. Deady looks forward to helping students immerse themselves in the culture and traditions of the Lakota People. Rachel Waldron is the Head of Early Childhood at St. Benedict. This is her sixth year overseeing the Preschool and Kindergarten programs at SBPS. Prior to coming to SBPS Ms. Waldron taught middle school science and Kindergarten. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint Mary’s College and an M.A. in Educational Administration from Notre Dame. Last year, Ms. Waldron explored 16
Chicago Sports during Agora week and is very much looking forward to participating in service with the students of St. Ben’s this year. Michael Hilty is in his sixth year working at SBPS. He has worked at every level of the school during his time, and is currently a secondary school physical education and social studies teacher. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Hilty came to Chicago in 2009 to coach college football at nearby North Park University. At North Park he also received his M.A. in Education. He then worked in recruiting and strength and conditioning for the Athletic Department. Mr. Hilty has had numerous service experiences over the years, as well as experienced Native American cultural activities and customs.
Organic & Sustainable Farming-Illinois/Missouri Dates and Times Monday, April 18 to Friday, April 22 Cost: Approx. $700 Objective Our aim for students participating in this seminar is that they will explore and learn about the processes and vitality of organic and sustainable farming in Illinois and Missouri. We will visit four active farms on our week-long excursion. The farms include: the Illinois State University Farm in Lexington, IL, Saco Valley Farm in Fredericktown, MO, the Live Spring Farm in Carrollton, IL, and the Gray Farm in Watseka, IL. Course Description and Learning Outcomes Learn the inner workings of the modern organic farm. Students will have the chance to learn where their food comes from and how that food gets from the farm to the table. Active farmers will be showing students how farmers raise livestock and grow vegetables without the use of pesticides and herbicides. Students will have the opportunity to plant and care for crops, milk goats, collect eggs and prepare meals directly from the farm. There will also be demonstration classes on the making of soap and cheese. Finally, students will learn of the careers available in agriculture and how to further pursue those careers. Student Requirements ● Application and interview are required to be considered for this trip. ● Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing ● All St. Benedict school rules will apply while on the trip. ● Students should be prepared of the physical nature of the service work we will be doing, such as lifting, bending, shoveling, and spending long hours in the sun and heat. Faculty Chris Deakins is in his seventh year at SBPS where he has served as Elementary School Athletic Director and as a middle school Physical Education teacher. Growing up in central Illinois, Mr. Deakins has worked many hours on large farms and looks forward to sharing his own knowledge of the farm life with students.
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The New York City Experience Dates and Times Monday, April 18 – Friday, April 22, 2016 Cost: $2400
ation r t s i g e r ion boys sect ll i t s s e c a p closed. s ion. t c e s s l r i in g available
Objective To explore the cultural and social significance of New York’s urban metropolis and the varied facets that allow it to function and act as a global force in change and sustainability. New York is often considered an epicenter for commerce, travel, media, technology, arts, education, and entertainment. Historically accounted as the most prominent gateway for entry and diversification in our nation, New York illustrates the wealth of exponential change and prominence in our global network. Students will explore first-hand the varying “real-life” opportunities that exist beyond mere tourism within the city. They will gain exposure to those who are active within the day-to-day routines of New York City, inquiring and acquiring into fields of study, roles and job descriptions, cultural significance, and historical vitality. Course Description and Learning Outcomes Experience New York City as one who is a part of it. Take a behind-the-scenes look at those who make a metropolis function. Meet with professionals in entertainment, travel, culture, commerce, and education, while simultaneously being immersed in the historical and iconic significance of the city itself. See a Broadway show, visit the boroughs, Central Park, Ellis Island, museums, and take part in interacting with the city and those who are at the heart of making it beat! We will travel by air to New York City. Student Requirements ● Application and interview are required to be considered for this trip. ● Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with St. Benedict’s Secondary School. ● All St. Benedict school rules will apply while on the trip. ● Students should plan on incredibly busy days and a great deal of walking. ● Students should have an invested interest in assisting in the building and creation of the detailed experiences of the trip to best serve our group. Faculty Erika Mickelburgh is currently the Head of the Secondary School. A native of upstate New York, she is excited to discover the city with the students. Last year she led the seventh grade Agora trip through Illinois. She has served as an administrator for the past 12 years and is excited to return to her roots as an English and History Teacher as we discover New York City. Scott Sowinski is the Head of Curriculum & Instruction at St. Benedict. He has a B.A. from the University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign with an M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from St. Xavier University. He is presently pursuing his P.H.D in Education Administration & Leadership. Prior to SBPS, he was a longtime resident of New York City where he worked in both education and as a professional actor. He is thrilled to be able to share the wonders of New York City with our community.
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Tour of Turkey and Greece: Following in the Footsteps of St. Paul (with possible Rome extension) Perillo Tours - all payments will be made directly to Perillo Tours Grades 9-12 and possible 7th-8th grade students with administrative approval; adults are also welcome to travel with this group Cost: Greece/Turkey Only Students: approximately $3775 Adults: approximately $3925 Pre-tour Rome Extension: Students: additional $890 Adults: additional $915 Course Description St. Paul spent most of his Christian life traveling over thousands of miles by land and sea. Most of these journeys were done in the lands of present day Turkey, Greece and Italy. While Paul had to cover most of the area on foot, our journey through the same routes will not be as difficult. Known as Saul, St. Paul was born in Tarsus, in what is modern-day Turkey. After his conversion on the road to Damascus, he became one of the most notable Christian missionaries, first converting Jews, then Gentiles on three journeys throughout Turkey and Greece between about AD 47 and 57. The apostle’s letters to the Ephesians, Corinthians, and others are a prominent source of information about the early Christian church and a significant influence on Christian thinking to this day. This is a pilgrimage of a lifetime and we are thrilled to host this trip for our students. Learning Outcomes ● Students will become familiar with the writings of St. Paul, as well as his life story. Starting with the middle of the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostle Paul dominates the pages of the New Testament. We will focus on his monumental teachings, as well as appreciate the wealth of spiritual insight woven into the tapestry of his extraordinary Christian experience. His incredible transformation, his extended period of preparation, his astounding victories, as well as his constant trials illustrate the dual dynamic of the life of Paul. ● By applying the lessons of Paul's life to our own, students will reflect on their own understanding of the responsibilities to live Christian lives. ● Students will become familiar with the geography of Turkey, Greece and Italy in Paul’s time, as well as today. ● Students will read two books based on the life and writings of St. Paul. Students will keep their own journal reflections reacting to the teachings of St. Paul. ● Students will understand the culture, custom and the history of Turkey and Greece.
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April 17: DEPART FROM THE U.S. Depart from the U.S., beginning your unforgettable Faith Journey. April 18: THESSALONIKI We arrive in Athens this morning and transfer to our short flight to Thessaloniki. Upon arrival in Thessaloniki, you will be warmly greeted by your Perillo Tours Faith Journeys Tour Manager. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of this famous port city. We drive up to the old town to see the place where St. Paul preached the gospel to the Thessalonians. Then we visit the St. Demetrius Church, the white tower, the Arch of Gallerius and get into the spirit of this fabulous town. Welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring Northern Greek cuisine. April 19: PHILIPPI / THESSALONIK Our full day excursion takes us along the ancient route of St. Paul, through mountain passes and plains on the traces of the Old Egnatia Avenue. We continue to Ancient Philippi, where Paul established the first church in Europe. Weather permitting; we celebrate an outdoor Mass at Philippi at the traditional site where Paul baptized Lydia. We then continue on a short drive to Kavala on the site of ancient Neapolis, where Paul landed on the way to Philippi. Return to Thessaloniki in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. April 20: THESSALONIKI / VERIA / VERGINA / KALAMBAKA This morning following Mass at a local parish church, we depart Thessaloniki and drive through the plains of Thessaly. Visit the legendary home of the Greek Gods and continue on to Veria (Beroea of the New Testament) where Paul visited en route to Athens and the Scriptures say the people were “more noble than in Thessaloniki.” Paul and Silas were taken here after the Thessaloniki pagans attacked them. We then visit Vergina a modern town in Greece and the location of the ancient capital of the Macedonians, called Aigeai. We end in Kalambaka with dinner and overnight. April 21: KALAMBAKA / ATHENS This morning we continue to nearby Meteora whose pillar-like rocks provide an amazing site. The Meteora (meaning “suspended rocks,” “suspended in the air,” “in the heavens above”) is one of the largest and one of the most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in Greece. The six Monasteries are built on natural sandstone rock pillars at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly. Afterwards we proceed south getting on the highway and catching a glimpse of Mt. Olympus as we travel through the towns of Lamia, Larissa. On arrival in Athens, we celebrate Mass at the Cathedral of St. Dionysius. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. April 22: ATHENS / PIRAEUS / CRUISE We are transferred from our hotel to the seaport of Piraeus where we board our cruise ship for our three-day cruise to the Greek Islands and Turkey. We celebrate Mass aboard ship. That same afternoon, we arrive at the island of Mykonos with its whitewashed houses and winding streets. We are free to explore this picturesque island, startling white against the multi-hued sunset. Dinner and overnight aboard our ship. April 23: EPHESUS (Kusadasi) / PATMOS This morning our ship docks in Kusadasi and our excursion takes us to the Temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the world. Some of the most spectacular ruins of the world are to be found in Ephesus, the city to whom St. Paul wrote his famous epistle. Early Christian tradition also believes that Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, also lived here with St. John. We then celebrate Mass at Mary’s House and then return to our ship for lunch, where we continue on to Patmos, which was considered sacred and often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean.” It was here that the Evangelist St. John received the inspiration for the Apocalypse. Our excursion visits the Monastery of St. John, a huge 20
fortress-like building dating from the 11th century. We also visit the grotto, where tradition says St. John wrote the Book of Revelation and then return to our ship for dinner and stay overnight. April 24: SANTORINI This morning we arrive at Santorini, the island thought by many to be the lost continent of Atlantis. Here we can choose to ascend the steep cliffs by cable car, donkey, or the very hardy may ascend by foot. Atop we will find the village with typical island houses and narrow streets with interesting shops. Dinner and overnight aboard our ship. April 25: PIRAEUS / CORINTH / ATHENS Upon arrival in Piraeus, we disembark and drive to nearby Athens for a visit to the legendary Acropolis. We see the chief jewel of the Acropolis - the Parthenon, the Temple of Winged Victory, the Propylea and the Erechteum with its peerless Porch of Maidens. Beneath the Acropolis is the Areopagus or Mars Hill. This is where St. Paul made his famous “Men of Athens” speech revealing a considerable knowledge of the Greek philosophy and character. Afterwards, we drive along the coastal highway to Corinth, with a splendid view of the Aegean Sea. After a short stop at the Corinth Canal that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas, we arrive in Ancient Corinth. We visit the ruins of Corinth, where St. Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla. Included are the first century shops, the Agora, Temple of Apollo and the Bema Seat. Conditions permitting, we celebrate Mass on the very site where St. Paul preached. We return to Athens and check in to our hotel. We have the opportunity to enjoy the culinary delights of Athens tonight at our farewell dinner at a local taverna. Overnight in Athens. April 26: ATHENS / U.S.A. This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight Tour price includes: • Round trip Economy round trip airfare from Chicago to Athens • Current Airline tax and surcharges • 2 night accommodation in Holiday Inn hotel or similar in Thessaloniki • 1 night accommodation in Amalia hotel or similar in Kalambaka • 2 night accommodation in Amalia hotel or similar in Athens • Perillo Tours English Speaking Faith Journey Tour Manager • Arrival and departure airport transfers • 4 day guided tour (starting in Thessaloniki-ending in Athens) with A/C motor coach & English speaking guide, entrance fees to Philippi, Vergina & two Monasteries in Meteora • Transfer Athens hotel / Piraeus port • 3-night cruise with Louis Cruise Line in an Outside cabin • Port charges and service fees (current $141 per person) • Shore excursion to Ancient Ephesus and Virgin Mary house • Shore excursion to Monastery of St John and Grotto of Apocalypse • Tour to Ancient Corinth and Athens upon disembarkation including entrance fees. • Breakfast daily • Daily dinners (8 dinners total) without drinks • Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily on cruise • Daily Mass upon request • Headsets • Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person Not included: • Gratuities to the tour manager, local guides and bus driver • Drinks with meals • Luggage handling at the airport and travel insurance 21
OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR: 2 nights ROME EXTENSION:
April 15-18, 2016
Supplement Tour Price includes: • Round trip Economy airfare from Chicago to Rome to Athens • Current airline tax and fees • Round trip Airport-hotel transfer in Rome • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Rome at 3 star hotel (similar to Windrose or Holiday Inn Express San Giovanni) • Daily Breakfast • Daily Dinners (two) • Full day private guided tour to the Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica; Colosseum & Forum; entrance fees included • Luggage handling at the hotel 1 bag per person • City tax • Whisper headphones Faculty: Rachel Gemo is the Head of the Parish School. She has been “on the block” for twelve years serving previously as the principal of the Elementary school. Prior to coming to St. Ben’s she taught Middle School Language Arts, Religion, Social Studies and Science. In recent years she has traveled to China, Israel, Spain, Italy and Ecuador learning about cross-cultural education. She has experience leading students in international travel and is looking forward to this journey. She is excited to introduce students to the interesting and significant life of St. Paul and help them understand his extraordinary impact not only on Christian faith, but world history. Mary Deletioglu is embarking on her sixth year teaching at St. Ben’s. She is the Chair of the Math Department and teaches all things mathematical. She has earned her BA and M.ED from DePaul University. She is eager and excited to share her cultural background & understandings with her students. Father Jason has been the pastor of St. Benedict Parish for three years and is no stranger to leading groups overseas. Last year he led a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He also was one of the chaperones for our Washington D.C. trip last year. Father Jason is looking forward to this journey in the steps of St. Paul.
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