BI Word - October 2024

THE BI-WORD Vol. 1 October 2024

October 15, 2024 | Issue 1

Bishop Ireton 60 Years Ago

Bishop Ireton Today Title of Mrs. McNutt Article ft. BI’s 60th Anniversary (Photo Above) New Faculty

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What’s inside?

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Interview With Mrs. Kathleen McNutt 3-4

Cardinal Takes

Sports Wrap

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Delaney Scanlon

Maddie Roche

Ryan Keefe

Mrs. Royle

Abby Stump

Claire Holloway

Claire Holloway Sophomore and Reporter: I am in the Distinguished Scholars Program and I can solve a Rubik’s cube in under one minute.

Ryan Keefe Sophomore and Reporter: I love horror movies and can solve Wordle and Connections in record time!

Maddie Roche Senior and Editor-In-Chief: I play on the girl’s soccer team and am involved in our student council as a senior class representative.

Delaney Scanlon Senior and Co-Editor: I manage the BI Cross Country team and throw shot put and discus. I am also a twin.

Abby Stump Sophomore and Reporter: I am a member of the U.S. NHSS. I have never broken a bone and I love crime shows and movies.

Meet the staff!

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BI New Faculty By: Ryan Keefe

New Teachers A) Ms. Vestermark B) Mr. Gaumer C) Mr. Matheis D) Mr. Beck E) Mr. Dodds F) Mr. Allen G) Dr. Mielke H) Ms. Hughes I) Ms. Cameron J) Ms. Alfonso K) Mrs. Brown L) Dr. Laham M) Mr. Winters N) Ms. Severson O) Mr. Hernandez P) Mr. Patubo

Answers on Page 10

Fun Facts 1. I played lacrosse and soccer in college.

2. I am the only boy in my family and have four sisters.

3. I am a grad school student when not at Bishop Ireton.

4. I was the first solo female to go underway on a combat ship for the United States.

5. I play soccer.

6. I drove from California to Virginia this summer and my favorite part was seeing dust devils in Nevada.

7. I love singing and do karaoke non-stop! I’m from the land of talented international singers – Philippines!

8. I attended the Palm Sunday Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral.

9. I have volunteered at Mount Vernon for the past 25 years for special events.

10. I am fluent in Arabic and visit Lebanon every summer.

11. I used to live in Iceland and I am an amateur board game designer.

12. I am a photographer on the side (weddings, families, seniors, and engagements).

13. I play the tuba.

14. I taught school for my first two years in South Korea.

15. I have known Mr. Crooker since I was 14 years old (he taught at O’Connell when I was a student there).

16. When I was in high school, my left arm, and only my left arm, was in a Febreze commercial!

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Flying High: Mrs. McNutt’s Message to Past, Present, and Future CardinalS By: Madeline Roche

CARDINAL FACT!

Mrs. McNutt’s favorite muscian is Jon Bon Jovi!

Welcome back, Cardinals! This school year has already been off to an incredible start with fall sports back in action, the theater arts program hosting auditions for “A Man for All Seasons” and Bishop Burbidge’s visit just a few weeks ago. We are looking forward to an exciting year full of school spirit, chapel renovations, and “Advancing Always,” especially as we celebrate a significant milestone in our school’s history. To kick off the year, Mrs. Kathleen McNutt, our Head of School, has a message of encouragement for everyone in the Bishop Ireton community so that as Saint Francis de Sales says, “We may be who we are and be that well.”

On August 26th, the Bishop Ireton hallways were once again flooded CARDINAL FACT! with Cardinals, some new to the flock and some old. Many veteran Cardinals were back at school a week prior to welcome our incoming class of 2028, She and Mr. McNutt running ice breakers, giving tours, and helping our baby Cards settle got engaged in Founders into their new nest. “This year has really been off to a great start Park in Old Town. thanks to our senior class! They just have really great energy and have made such a positive difference with our students,” says McNutt. “Each of you has made a tremendous impact on Bishop Ireton. You’ve witnessed changes like the chapel renovation and the growth of our facilities. As graduates, I encourage you to utilize the resources here and lead by example for our current students.” With an emphasis on leadership, Mrs. McNutt hopes that the class of ‘25 does not shy away from showing the class of ‘28 the ropes and being lifelines for them.

She says, “Be an important leader for our new students and help them to know how important it is to utilize the resources that we have on campus.”

To our incoming freshmen, Mrs. McNutt emphasized the importance of getting engaged, “Get involved and take advantage of all the opportunities you have while you’re here. Bishop Ireton offers outstanding teachers, facilities, and a truly wonderful community.” Mrs. McNutt also emphasized what a special time it is for freshmen to be able to foster new friendships and build connections within the Ireton community. As proud Cardinals, we should all take advantage of our love for the school, our community, and our faith.

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This year is a meaningful one, as we celebrate Bishop Ireton’s 60th anniversary and the Arlington Diocese’s 50th. In order to commemorate the many years that Bishop Ireton High School has served as a vibrant community to many young people, Mrs. McNutt highlights some of the key events that the school has organized. “One significant occasion is our annual gala on March 22,” she explained. “While it serves as a fundraising event, it’s equally a reunion for alumni, former teachers, and current families. The fellowship and celebration of our school’s legacy are what is most important.” Additionally, she mentioned the excitement surrounding Homecoming and the special celebration on November 20, the 60th day of the school year. This day will be filled with activities that honor both Bishop Ireton’s legacy and the Diocese of Arlington’s 50th anniversary, focusing on the inspiring theme of renewal.

“This is a time to reflect on our past while renewing our commitment to our mission of strong academics and celebrating the whole person,” she said.

This 60th anniversary also holds personal significance to Mrs. McNutt because of her lasting experiences with Bishop Ireton. Not only did Mrs. McNutt marry a Bishop Ireton graduate, but her children attended BI, two of her daughters met their husbands through the school, and both are pregnant with baby Cardinals! When reflecting on these milestones, Mrs. McNutt says, “I’m lucky because I get to experience memories all the time, between walking through the hallways or attending games and dances. I think this, like any anniversary year, is important in the life of the school because we can stop and remember where we came from and what we have experienced because we use those memories as we see how to improve or what to continue celebrating.”

Thank you, Mrs. McNutt, for serving our community so well and ensuring we are all making positive memories that will last another 60 years.

CARDINAL FACT! Mrs. McNutt played soccer and softball in high school at St. Mary’s Academy.

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Introducing Mr. Dodds By: Madeline Roche

This year Bishop Ireton welcomed several new staff members, including the enthusiastic Mr. Tim Dodds. Mr. Dodds is serving our BI community this year by directing Bishop Ireton’s student life and also helping lead our Boys Lacrosse team to a successful 2025 spring season. When asked what it means to be a member of the BI student-life team, Mr. Dodds said, “I would consider student life to be a fairly all-encompassing term, or an umbrella term. It certainly deals with discipline and how we interact with one another, how we interact with our space, and how we interact with ourselves.

But I would also argue that it has to do with community building and spirit. The goal is to ensure everybody feels like they have a place here.”

Mr. Dodds’ leadership style emphasizes creating a culture where each student feels valued and appreciated. “Any way I can promote that same type of inclusivity in an administrative capacity for our kids is important,” he says. “I want every person to feel like they have inherent dignity and self-worth.”

Mr. Dodds is bringing a fun and engaging spirit to Bishop Ireton’s student life. Whether it’s leading a revamped freshman orientation or asking students about their personal “walk-up” songs as they arrive at school, he truly believes in the power of connecting with each and every student. Mr. Dodds noted with a laugh, “I was singing the Gilmore Girls theme song the other day because it’s finally fall. People were surprised that I knew the whole theme song! So as kids walk up to school, I just start asking, “What’s your walk-up song? What’s your theme song? Some kids will give you their response, and some won’t, and I don’t apply pressure to anybody at all, but I do think that’s a moment for everybody to kind of lower the curtain a little bit and just be human.”

In addition to his role in student life, Mr. Dodds is eager to make an impact in his new role as part of the boys’ lacrosse coaching staff. He’s passionate about the team’s potential and hopes to inspire players to go beyond their perceived limits on the lacrosse field. “I know the team has been right on the cusp of making the state tournament,” he reflects. “But my goal is to help these young men really see that they can accomplish something special. I’m sure that’s been built up in them over the years through other coaches, through our school, through their families, and through their teammates. But I wonder if they know what they’re really capable of, and I can say the same thing for every single student I come across.”

Mr. Dodds’ approach to coaching is rooted in the same principles of community, growth, and connection that guide his work in student life. “I’m excited to tap into the team’s desire to grow, and I hope to show them that they can accomplish more than they ever imagined.” It can be said with confidence that as the school year unfolds, with Mr. Dodds’ leadership, the Cardinal spirit will continue to soar—both on and off the field.

CARDINAL FACT!

When Mr. Dodds is craving some wings, his go-to restaurant is Duffy’s in Washington, D.C. 5

E E E H H T H T T H H T H T I T I I W W W P P P U U U G G G N N I N I I P P E P E E E E KKK AALLSLSS::: A N N I N I I D D D CCCAAARRR FERS F O H P JOSE H C A O C O THE T N I T INSIGH SON. A E S W NE

By: Abby Stump

Fall means football and Bishop Ireton is ready for it. We are starting the year off strong with Coach Bernard Joseph making his mark. Our football team has been winning many games this season and those victories are showcased by Coach Joseph’s remarkable mentoring.

Friday night lights were a highlight this season and even though there aren’t anymore on the schedule, Coach Joseph explains why he hopes we will see more next year. “I like doing Friday games because it gives the entire student body a chance to come and support the team.

Also my football players who want to play in college will get the opportunity to go see the college on Saturday.” Coach Joseph also envisions a different faculty member running out the flag on game days with “the students [choosing] the teacher.” More information about this exciting idea will be available in the upcoming months.

Coach Joseph encourages a winning attitude no matter the outcome of the game. “A few things I say to my players before the game is to play hard and to represent Bishop Ireton [in] every play. I think that there is a lot of potential here. We went to the Volleyball game together, and I hope to continue that, where all of these teams are supporting other sports and each other, and I think that’ll make a great goal.” Coach and the BI team have a common goal to “win the WCAC championship.” Either way, Coach loves this new opportunity and feels “ honored that the administration has entrusted me with the responsibility to lead this endeavor.”

Our new Football coach, Coach Joseph, has brought great success to our BI community. He has three decades of football coaching experience, including serving as the head football coach at McNamara and St. Stephens. “Coach Joseph brings expertise in athletic operational procedure and is a great asset to our athletic department,” says Head of School Kathleen McNutt.

With Coach Joseph at the helm, only great things are in store for the team and Bishop Ireton. His wealth of experience is sure to result in every player reaching his full potential. And those are victories to be celebrated on and off the football field.

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straight from the cardinals’ beak: cell phone policy

BY CLAIRE HOLLOWAY The start of the school year always comes with an abundance of adjustments - whether it is finding your classes, meeting new people, or even getting used to the changes in school policies, the new year always throws curveballs. One of the big changes for everyone this year has been the updated cell phone policy. In the past, students have been allowed to access their cell phones and listening devices during their lunch period, but this year they may only use these devices outside of the school day, which begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 3:05 p.m. It was a diocesan decision to restrict device usage citing the need for, “schools [to] seek to ensure [that] an optimal learning environment is maintained throughout the day.”

The implementation of rules like this is becoming more and more common. The online news organization, The Virginia Mercury, states that 76.9 % of schools nationwide do not allow phone usage during the school day. The benefits of such policies are cited by USA Today as: reduced distractions, prolonged focus, reduced damage done by social media, and stronger social connections. And the educational thinktank, The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, even reports stronger academic performances from girls. So far, our student body has had mixed reactions to this change. Students share their perspectives: Isabella Lascialfare, Sophomore: “So I think the cell phone policy is kinda cool because at lunch we can really… instead of being on our phones we can be in the moment, we can be with our friends, we can… say ‘Hi,’ it is sad not having it, but I think it’s not, you know, it’s not the worst thing in the world.”

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Elijah Amond, Sophomore: “Exactly [in reference to Lascialfare’s response], and I feel like I’m getting to know my friends so much more because I’m seeing them face to face when I’m talking to them.”

Cassie Page, Senior: “It hasn’t really affected my daily whereabouts and day to day things. I don’t know, my friends and I weren’t really on our phones during lunch and if we were it was just to like a quick glance at something or show somebody a picture of something. So I don’t think that’s really changed anything.”

Izzy Fallon, Freshmen: “It’s been weird because I’m not used to not being able to use my phone throughout the day…A bit of a struggle but it’s okay, it’s not too bad.”

GG Ruhlen, Junior: “It hasn’t really affected it [my daily routine] at all because I never really went on mine during lunch. Yeah, I like to talk to my friends.”

In a statement to the Arlington Catholic Herald, our principal, Mrs. Kathleen McNutt, touched on the goal of the change, saying, “We speak to the dignity of the human person. You don’t want that thing being the extension of you.” So remember to take breaks from prolonged periods of screen time, detach yourself from your devices, and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.

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S W P ‌ ‌ R O ‌ ‌ A P R ‌ ‌ T ‌ S ‌

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CARDINAL SPORTS By: Delaney WRAP! Scanlon The BI girls’ soccer team has faced some good competition at the start of their season and have built great team chemistry over the past few games.

The Cross Country team is running toward the state championships and have had a great season so far.

The boys’ soccer team kicked off their season with a big win and our volleyball girls played in their Dig Pink game in honor of those fighting breast cancer.

While the girls’ tennis team is having a ball on the courts, the football team has touched down on some big wins and the field hockey team has stuck to their intense workout schedule which has paid off in the W column.

Good luck to all sports and Live Jesus.

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Answer Key A6 B8 C9 D1 E2 F3 G4 H5

I13 J14 K15 L10 M11 N12 O16 P7

Thank you for reading, Cardinals!

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