Bishop McNamara High School Academic Guide 2021-22

bishop McNamara ACADEMIC 2021-22 GUIDE

SCHOOL YEAR

BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO Dr. John Barnhardt Dear Bishop McNamara High School Family and Friends, Welcome to Bishop McNamara High School!

I am honored that you are considering Bishop McNamara High School and hope to be the first to welcome you to our family of empowered leaders, inspired by the Gospel, who are transforming the world. Bishop McNamara High School was founded in the tradition of the Brothers of Holy Cross who also founded other prestigious institutions like the University of Notre Dame, King’s College, St. Edward’s University, and Stonehill College.

55 years of history and over 12,000 alumni is evidence enough that our belief in the unique, God-given talents of every young person who walks through our doors ensures our graduates are equipped to take on the world. Our focus on academia, leadership development, and a passion for life rooted in Christ, ensures that our graduates leave McNamara equipped with the knowledge and a zest for life to make our world a better place.

Our innovative college-preparatory curriculum is delivered by an award winning faculty team and supported by a top-of-class performing and fine arts program and a nationally competitive athletics program. It’s often shared that when you walk through the front doors of McNamara, you feel an overwhelming sense of belonging. Our approach here is different. Our core mission and values are anchored in Christ and the educators who teach, coach, council, and mentor our students do so with love and a commitment to the unique identities and dreams of each student. Bishop McNamara High School is committed to the four themes of a Holy Cross education: being family, building respect, educating hearts and minds, and bringing hope. We prepare our students for the rigors of college and for a life full of choice through academic, social, and spiritual learning experiences designed to inform and transform their lives.

During a time when boys and girls are growing into men and women, the Bishop McNamara experience provides tremendous opportunities for students to explore their unique God-given talents, grow as leaders, and develop into people of influence. Whether in the classroom or concert hall, on the stage or the athletic field, in a lab or in a rehearsal room, Bishop McNamara stands for excellence and changes lives. Experience Bishop McNamara, where we inspire the hearts and minds of our students to innovate, transform, and thrive!

Dr. John Barnhardt President/CEO @barnhardt

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ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

About Bishop McNamara High School Our School Administration Dr. John Barnhardt, PhD President/CEO Mrs. Dian Carter, MA Principal Mr. Patrick Flynn, MA Assistant Principal Mr. Charles Shryock, IV, MA Assistant Principal Mr. Herman Gloster ’96, BA Dean of Students - Grades 9 and 10 Ms. Laura Keller, BA Dean of Students - Grades 11 and 12

Vision

Empowered leaders, inspired by the Gospel, transforming the world.

Mission

To educate hearts and minds in a dynamic, inclusive Catholic school community rooted in the Holy Cross tradition.

Philosophy

Bishop McNamara High School, a Catholic, Holy Cross, coeducational, college preparatory, liberal arts school provides wide ranging and evolving curricular and co-curricular activities for students to learn and practice the Catholic faith in an inclusive and dynamic school community. The School integrates this faith message, rooted in the Holy Cross tradition, within all its activities by relating the Gospel to content areas, by the

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living example of its employees, by partnership with families, and by service to the wider world.

Employees

Bishop McNamara High School is staffed by a lay faculty of 80 teachers and 49 support staff. The average teaching experience is 14 years.

All of the faculty hold Bachelor’s degrees, while 64% of the faculty hold advanced degrees.

Students

Our students come from a wide geographic area, including Prince George’s County, Anne Arundel County, Charles County, Calvert County, Montgomery County, the District of Columbia and Virginia.

The total student population is 872.

The average class size is 18. The student to faculty ratio is 10 to 1.

BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

Grading System Grading Scale

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Grade

% Score

Value

A+

98-100

100

A

90-97

95

B+

87-89

B

English

4.0

Mathematics

4.0

88

Science

3.0

80-86

85

Social Studies

4.0

C+

77-79

78

2.0

C

70-76

75

Modern & Classical Languages

D

65-69

65

Theology*

4.0

F

0-64

55

Fine Arts

1.0

M

Missing

50

Health & Physical Education 1.5

Honor Roll

• Dean’s List: Students who have a quarter average between 3.250 and 3.499 • Cum Laude: Students who have a quarter average between 3.500 to 3.749 • Magna Cum Laude: Students who have a quarter average between 3.750 and 3.899 • Summa Cum Laude: Students who have a quarter average above 3.900 and above

Rank in Class

A ranking upon every student’s cumulative grade point average is computed at the end of the 6th, 7th and 8th semesters based on the final grade in all subjects, with extra weight given to honors and Advanced Placement classes.

Graduation Requirements

* Including service hours each year. ^ Modern & Classical Languages credits must be obtained in two consecutive years (same language)

Technology & Engineering

1.0

Gateway Seminar

0.5

Electives 2.0 --------------------------------------------------------Total 27 credits

The school year is divided into four 9-week quarters. BMHS follows a block schedule with alternating days of four classes.

The St. Joseph Program

The St. Joseph Program is designed to provide a positive educational and social experience for a select group of students with learning differences.

The St. Joseph Center is staffed by highly qualified special education professionals who are dedicated to fostering maximum achievement in

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*Including service hours each year. Please note that community service hours are required in all years at Bishop McNamara High School.

the demanding Bishop McNamara High School college preparatory program by promoting the skills and knowledge necessary to form intellectual autonomy.

ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

Admission Procedures Admissions Staff Ms. Kendall Isadore, MA Director of Enrollment Management Ms. Deanna Warnock, BBA Assistant Director of Admissions

Financial Matters Fees are set annually by the Board of Directors.

2021-2022 Tuition & Fees Application Fee ........ $

75

Registration Fee for Class of 2026 (due by March 11th) .......... $

450

Annual Book Rental Fee ................. $

400

Technology Fee ......... $

250

Lunch Fee ................. $ 1,050 Tuition ....................... $17,950 St. Joseph/St. Andre Program Fee (if applicable) .................. $ 2,000 St. Joseph Program Maintenance Fee ....... $ Athletics Fee (Athletes only) ................. $

500 175

Student Visit Days & Campus Tours: Mustang for a Day shadow

visits as well as Campus Tours may be self-scheduled through candidate MACCESS account checklists.

• Incoming Freshman dates: mid-September through December • Transfer dates: February through March

Open House & Information Nights: Prospective families are

welcome to attend the Open House and Information Nights to learn more about Bishop McNamara High School. Register online through: • www.bmhs.org > Admissions > Applying to Bishop McNamara > Open House & Information Nights

Entrance Exam: The High School

Placement Test (HSPT) is used as the entrance exam for Bishop McNamara High School. The HSPT is administered by the Archdiocese of Washington on the first two Saturdays in December for students not attending Catholic elementary schools. Bishop McNamara participates in the choice application process. The HSPT is required for all applicants to the 9th grade. Preregistration is required for the HSPT at www.adwcatholicschools.org.

Personal Statement: Two personal

statements are required with the online application. These essays are an opportunity for the Admissions Team to get to know your child better, as a writer and as a well-rounded student.

The personal statement prompts are found on the online application.

Application & Records: The

application is available through the candidate’s MACCESS account checklist. Applications with fees and supporting records are due as follows:

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• Incoming Freshman due date: December 10, 2021 • Transfer dates: March 11, 2022 Applications for 12th grade transfers are considered only for students new to the region. The Request for Academic Records for All Applicants may be downloaded from the candidate’s MACCESS account checklist.

Teacher Evaluations: Teacher evaluations are required for all students.

Catholic elementary schools will submit the Confidential Information Form (CIF) which contains teacher evaluations. Candidates must select Bishop McNamara as one of the student’s choices for the Catholic School to send the CIF. Public school, other private school and home school students are required to submit two teacher evaluations preferably from Math and English.

The online recommendations may be sent via email through the candidate’s MACCESS account checklist.

The St. Joseph Program Application: Applicants must

first complete an application for admission to Bishop McNamara High School by December 11th along with the required fee and all admission documentation. Other St. Joseph documentation includes: • St. Joseph Program application • Psycho-educational testing completed within the last three years • IEP, CAP, 504 Plan • 2 additional recommendations • St. Joseph Interview (scheduled once all paperwork is submitted)

Interviews / Personal Videos:

Interviews or personal videos are required for all applicants. Please check your candidate’s MACCESS checklist for information on the requirement for the year.

BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

The English Department English Faculty Ms. Debra Brennan, JD English Department Chair ______________________________ Ms. Bryanna Carter ’16, MHA Mr. Matthew Fredericks, MA, MDiv, MFA Ms. Sarah Hartzell, MEd Mr. Garry Imes ’92, BS Mrs. Emily Koenick, MA Ms. Haley Potter, MA Mr. Billy Sunday, MA Ms. Kimberly Weaver ’14, MA Ms. Maura White, MEd

The English department at Bishop McNamara High School ensures that students pursue a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, with an emphasis on the writing, reading and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

Honors and Advanced Placement courses are offered for high-achieving students.

Our elective courses offer entry points for specialized study in the humanities. Students in our journalism program have won awards in regional competitions, published work in publications such as The Washington Post and WUSA Channel 9 News, and attended the selective Urban Journalism Workshop sponsored by The Washington Post.

The Faculty of the English Department includes a team of dedicated professional educators with a wealth of teaching experience on local, national, and international levels. Several teachers are BMHS alumni, a testament to our program’s tradition of excellence.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete four credits of English.

Freshmen

Seniors

English 9

English 12

Honors English 9

AP Literature & Composition

Freshman Seminar

..........

Sophomores English 10

Honors English 10

..........

Juniors English 11

AP Literature & Composition

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..........

Electives Black Lit Matters: An Introduction to African American Literature Creative Writing Advanced Creative Writing Journalism 1 Honors Journalism 2, 3 & 4 Yearbook Journalism Comtemporary Film & Criticism

ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

The Fine Arts Department Fine Arts Faculty Mr. Anthony Conto, MM Director of Fine Arts Mrs. Mary Mitchell-Donahue, MA Associate Director of Fine Arts Fine Arts Department Chair ______________________________ Mrs. Francine Amos Hardy, MM Mr. Victor Bah, BA Ms. Kathryn Heneghan, MA Ms. Cindy King, CCA Ms. Janay Middleton, VCDMA Mrs. Dana Shieh, MME Ms. Rhoda Sutton, MA Mr. Dominic Traino, BA Ms. Mian Hairston, BFA

Band & Orchestra

Concert Band Honors Concert Band Symphonic Band Honors Symphonic Band Wind Ensemble Honors Wind Ensemble String Orchestra Honors String Orchestra Jazz Lab Jazz Ensemble Percussion Ensemble Honors Musical Pit Orchestra

..........

Choir

Concert Choir Honors Concert Choir Chorale Honors Chorale Chamber Choir Honors Chamber Choir

Bishop McNamara High School Fine Arts Department faculty is comprised of the most talented and dedicated educators of the arts in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area who believe a student’s high school education is enriched by their involvement in the arts, influencing all areas of academic study. Committed to the success and experience of each student, these accomplished Fine Arts Faculty members, as well as visiting distinguished performers, artists, and mentors, enrich and foster our students’ development in a family community while providing invaluable insights into fine artsrelated programs and professions.

Bishop McNamara High School enjoys a reputation as one of the top Fine Arts programs in the region, a distinction due in great part to the professionalism and experience of its outstanding faculty!

Our large musical ensembles, intimate dance classes, theatrical productions, and art studio offer comfortable, rewarding, fun, yet challenging environments for all participating students. We encourage the growth and success of the students. Performance based courses may require additional fees and/or fundraising.

Course Requirements: All students must complete one credit of Fine Arts.

Music Appreciation & Discovery Vocal Jazz Ensemble Show Choir

Spring Production Cast, Spring Production Crew, Honors Spring Production

Dance

Traditional African Music & Dance

..........

Dance 1 - 4 Honors Dance Tap 1 - 4 Honors Tap

..........

Theatre

Introduction to Theatre Theatre Technology Topic A: Set, Lights Theatre Technology Topic B: Sound, Costumes

Honors Great Stages of Drama Musical Production Cast, Musical Production Crew, Honors Musical Production

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..........

Traditional African Music & Dance 1 - 4 Sankofa Company

..........

Visual Arts

Color Drawing Advanced Drawing Honors Advanced Drawing Digital Arts Advanced Digital Arts AP Studio Art 2-D Design

BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

The Mathematics Department Mathematics Faculty Mrs. Angelina Diehlmann LR ’85, BS Mathematics Department Chair ______________________________ Ms. Sasha Buchanan, MEd, JD Mr. Matt Budzik, BS Ms. Stacey Coney, MEd Mrs. Linda Corley, MA Mrs. Agnes Estorninos, BS Mr. Julian Gonzalez, BS Dr. Ricarda Mills, PhD Ms. Susan Scott, MA

The study of Mathematics fosters the development of clear and logical thinking, precision in communication, and the ability to reason quantitatively.

Mathematics is about more than numbers and formulas, and our students are challenged, on a daily basis, to think critically and analytically.

Using a traditional, yet progressive sequence of college-preparatory courses, the mathematics curriculum of Bishop McNamara High School seeks to encourage student growth and proficiency in these areas. Each student is allowed the opportunity,

according to interest and talent, to develop fully in the subject through a variety of available courses.

Bishop McNamara High School uses a detailed placement system for both new and current students to ensure that the course they take matches their background while pushing them to meet their full potential.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete four credits of Mathematics.

Freshmen

Juniors

Seniors

Algebra 1 with Lab

Honors Algebra 2 Algebra 3 Honors Algebra 3 Geometry College Preparatory Geometry Honors Geometry Functions & Trigonometry Pre-Calculus Honors Pre-Calculus Honors Statistics Honors Advanced Pre-Calculus AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics

Algebra 3

Algebra 1

Honors Algebra 1 Honors Algebra 2

..........

Sophomores Algebra 2

College Preparatory Algebra 2 Honors Algebra 2

Honors Geometry

Electives Personal Finance

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Contemporary Math with Trigonometry Pre-Calculus Honors Pre-Calculus Honors Calculus Honors Statistics AP Statistics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Statistics

ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

The Modern & Classical Languages Department MCL Faculty Ms. Paola Apolinares, BS Modern & Classical Languages Department Chair ______________________________ Ms. Phyllis Ballenger, MEd Mr. Luis Francisco Duclos, MBA Mr. Matthew Fredericks, MA, MDiv, MFA Mr. Richard Mills, Jr, BA Ms. Cassandra O’Mahoney, MA Ms. Safaa Roumani, BA Mrs. Erika Sanneman, MA

The Modern and Classical Languages (MCL) Faculty involve the students in full cultural immersion, teaching them to not only learn another language, but also to gain insight into and garner respect for the people who are native users of the language.

We teach world languages at Bishop McNamara through a Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) process where we integrate the four skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking using a topdown methodology, additionally focusing on culture, allowing the students to process language as naturally as possible.

The MCL teachers are always looking for that “extra” that makes

American Sign Language (not available Freshman Year) American Sign Language 1 - 3

..........

Arabic Honors Arabic 1-4

..........

French Honors French 1 - 4

AP French Language and Culture

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the difference between us and other modern & classical language programs. We do our best to give our students different activities using multiple approaches that allow them to acquire the necessary skills to understand the language and the culture.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete two consecutive years of one of the languages offered by the Modern & Classical Languages Department.

Students who demonstrate ability, interest, and commitment are encouraged to take three or four years of one language and/or try a second language after fulfilling the basic requirement.

Latin Honors Latin 1 - 4 AP Latin

..........

Spanish Honors Spanish 1 - 4

Latin American Studies

AP Spanish Language & Culture College Prep Spanish 1-3

BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH DEPARTMENT Physical Education Faculty Ms. Brenda Stephens, BS Physical Education Department Chair ______________________________ Ms. Brittany Jackson, MS, LAT, ATC Mr. Frank Oliver, Jr., BS Ms. Teresa Robinson, BS, CHES, NTTS

Physical Education & Health serves to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills and confidence to enjoy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Our program is designed to assist students to make the connection between good health, physical activity and the quality of one’s life, thus empowering them to assume responsibility for personal choices, self-esteem, and fulfillment of their greatest potential.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete one credit of Physical Education.

Freshmen Active for Life

..........

Sophomores Health

..........

Electives Archery & Target Games Lifetime Sports 1 & 2

Personal Fitness 1 & 2 Sports Medicine

Women’s Fitness

Walking for Wellness

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ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

The Science Department Science Faculty Ms. Denise Kazimer LR ’89, MS Science Department Chair ______________________________ Ms. Aurore Anastassiadis, MA Ms. Samadara Jayarathne, MS Ms. Megan Judd, MEd Ms. Saiedeh Khalili, MS Mr. Nicholas Klimczak ’07, BS Ms. Judith Nelson LR ’88, MBA Ms. Katherine Ray, MEd Mrs. Jan Steeger, MS

The Science Department of Bishop McNamara High School believes that it is our mission to create and develop students who are knowledgeable, scientifically literate, and capable of solving problems. It is necessary that they become aware of the role that science has in their lives.

We believe that our courses can help teach our students to think rationally and logically, to communicate orally and in writing, to handle lab equipment with confidence, to design and conduct experiments, and to analyze data both graphically and statistically.

We expect that our students will be able to apply what they are learning

to their everyday problem-solving situations, which are essential skills necessary for work and communication in today’s globally competitive society.

We hope to inspire our students to think of future careers in science. Our goal is to instill our students with a desire to understand and accept their responsibility to and for the Earth.

We challenge them as individuals and as members of society to choose actions which will preserve and improve their global environment.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete at least three credits of Science.

Freshmen

Electives

Biology

AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics 1 Forensic Science Marine Science Zoology Anatomy & Physiology Honors Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2 Food Science A & B Astronomy Physics

Honors Biology

..........

Sophomores Chemistry

Honors Chemistry

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BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

The Social Studies Department Social Studies Faculty Ms. Jaleshea Cobbs, BA Social Studies Department Chair ______________________________ Mr. Michael Barry, MA Dr. Ann Denkler, PhD Ms. Kameron Dreher ’12, BA Mr. Shawn Dougherty, MA Dr. Abigail Greer, EdD Mr. Adam Greer, MA Mr. Darrell Holloman ’00, MA

History and Social Studies are integral to a student’s liberal education as the disciplines involved teach thought processes, intellectual attitudes, and analytic methods that shape the way students look at the past, the present, and the future.

It is hoped that history students will come to understand the significance of the past, to develop historical empathy, to understand historical causation and the role of the individual and of change in history, and to realize that the world and the United States are both made up of many diverse cultures, yet in the

case of the world, there is a shared humanity, and in the case of the United States, a shared culture and common experience.

Bishop McNamara is an affiliate with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. The Affiliate School Program is a unique gateway to educational resources, events and tools designed to bring American history to life in the classroom.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete four credits of Social Studies.

Ms. Loretta King, JD Mr. Edward O’Mahony, MA Ms. Percilla Wills ’12, BA

Freshmen

Seniors

Government & Politics

Global Studies

Honors Government & Politics

Honors Global Studies

..........

.........

Sophomores

Electives

Western Civilization

AP Psychology

Honors Western Civilization

African American Studies

.........

Juniors US History AP US History

Economics Hip-Hop Studies History and Film Introduction to Special Education Psychology Women’s Studies

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ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

The Technology & Engineering Department Technology Faculty Mr. Matthew Walther ’01, BS Technology & Engineering Department Chair ______________________________ Ms. Judith Nelson LR ’88, MBA Mr. Armani Mason-Callaway ’09, BS Mr. Patrick Skerpon, BA

Bishop McNamara High School views Technology & Engineering as a critical tool to provide students with a working knowledge of computer concepts as well as expose them to specific skill sets used in the business world. The Computer Programming course introduces students to the world of programming using Java.

The Web Design course introduces students to web design techniques.

The school has three computer labs to support the Technology & Engineering curriculum. In addition, every classroom has technology capabilities such as traditional PC’s,

Computer Programming Introduction to Computer Science AP Computer Science Principles* AP Computer Science A Cybersecurity** Digital Making Introduction to Quantum Computing Robotics Web Design Foundations of Engineering A & B

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short throw projectors, and sound systems. Bishop McNamara has implemented a 1:1 device program, further reinforcing their commitment to technology.

The integration of technology into Bishop McNamara High School has been a focus in pedagogical and budgetary planning for more than a decade in order to form students into next generation learners.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete one credit of Technology & Engineering.

*AP Computer Science Principles: Course introduces students to creative aspects of programming, cybersercurity concerns, and computing impacts (among other things). The course gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem solving. **Cybersecurity: This course is for students considering IT as a career with a specialization in cybersecurity. The course introduces students to the different types of malware and attacks, how organizations defend against these attacks, and researches different career opportunities within the field.

BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

The Theology Department Theology Faculty Mr. Adam Greer, MA Theology Department Chair ______________________________ Mrs. Nancy Cunningham, MA Mrs. Melissa Gismervik, MA Br. Daniel Lutolf, OFM Conv, BA Mr. Jim Monahan, BA Mrs. Mary Nolte, BA Mr. Paul O’Brien, BA Ms. Amanda Saunders, BA Ms. Sydney Wade ’16, BA

The faculty of the Bishop McNamara High School Theology Department is a dedicated group of gifted educators who seek to follow Father Moreau’s directive: “To educate both the heart and the mind.”

To this end, the theology department focuses their effort on both the spiritual and intellectual development of all students so that they may come to better know God, humanity, and self. This goal is achieved through a comprehensive and rigorous four-year academic program that educates in and through the Holy Cross tradition in a way which is authentically Catholic.

Through our four-year, college preparatory curriculum, we seek to

engage our students in matters of scriptural, historical, ritual, global, moral, and ethical significance in ways which will be both formative and transformative. We teach our students to think with Christ, a process which is to be animated by the Gospel and lived out daily.

Students are challenged to think critically about major moral and ethical dilemmas and place these within the context of their own lives.

Students are taught to effectively engage a wide variety of different religious texts, works of art, and media.

Course Requirements: All

students must complete four credits of Theology.

Freshmen

Juniors

Electives

Theology 9:

Theology 11:

Peer Ministry

Holy Cross Experience,

Life in Jesus Christ

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

& Living as a Disciple of

Who is Jesus Christ

........

in Scripture &

.........

Sophomores

Jesus Christ in Society

Seniors Theology 12:

Theology 10:

Sacraments as Privileged

& the Mission Continues

& Ecumenical &

The Mission of Jesus Christ in the Church

Encounters with Jesus Interreligious Issues

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ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

Campus Ministry Campus Ministry Ms. Amanda Saunders, BA Director of Campus Ministry Mr. Samuel Hardwick, BA Assistant Director of Campus Ministry Ms. Sandra Herndon Administrative Assistant

Who Are Blessed Father Moreau and Saint Andre Bessette?

Bishop McNamara High School was founded by the Brothers of Holy Cross, a branch of the Congregation of Holy Cross, which is a Catholic religious order founded in France in 1837. Devoted to Joseph, Mary, and Jesus (the Holy Family), Father Basil Moreau united this order at its beginning, and Brother André Bessette lived a humble life of prayer and service at a high school in Canada. The Catholic Church has recognized Br. André as a saint, and Fr. Moreau as “Blessed,” a step towards official recognition as a saint. Catholics believe that those in Heaven with God can help us with their prayers, so at BMHS our prayers end by asking Fr. Moreau and St. André to intercede for us.

What does the Campus Ministry Department do? The Campus Ministry Department strives to carry out the vision of Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C. “to make God known, loved, and served,” through retreats, service, and other programs. Through school-wide liturgies and other forms of prayer, Campus Ministry helps students to come to know God. Through the Holy Cross Service Program, students are challenged to reach out to their communities and grow in understanding. Ultimately, we strive for the spiritual formation and transformation of the entire Bishop McNamara community.

Is Campus Ministry just for Catholics? No. We seek to support all our students in their ongoing spiritual

development, respecting their personal faith traditions. Our seniors serve as student leaders called “Peer Ministers,” reflecting the faith diversity of the larger student body. We encourage the community “to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with one another and with God” (Micah 6).

What do the cross and anchors symbolize? The cross and anchors seen on campus symbolize the Congregation of Holy Cross, which founded Bishop McNamara High School. The community’s motto, “Ave Crux Spes Unica!” means “Hail the Cross, our only hope!” The anchor symbolizes our hope, which grounds us, and we believe our God stands with us and invites us to resurrection as we face the crosses in our lives.

Holy Cross Service at Bishop McNamara High School The unique circumstances we have all been living in due to COVID-19 have provided us with an opportunity to reflect on the Holy Cross Service Program. We have refined our goals in terms of what we hope that students will experience and receive through the program. The identified goals are the following: We hope our students will have an experience that allows them to develop a habit of giving back to their community, to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge themselves, to reflect on their experience, and to learn more about the population in which they served.

The newly restructured Holy Cross Service Program has two distinct parts to it: there is the “Required Hours” part and the “Comfort Zone Challenge” part.

The Required Hours: Every student will have a certain amount of hours to serve. This is intended to help our students build a habit of giving back to the community, and from now on, these hours can be done not only at non-profits but in other community settings such as one’s church, BMHS, or one’s neighborhood.

The Comfort Zone Challenge (CZC) is the part of the program where we want our students to have at least one experience each year serving in a way with which they have not yet become familiar - something they have not already done. This is intended to address our other goals for our students: that they challenge themselves out of their comfort zone, reflect and learn from their experience, and emerge with “the competence to see and the courage to act…for the kingdom to come in this world” as Father Moreau wrote in the Constitutions.

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BISHOP MCNAMARA

ACADEMIC GUIDE 2021-22

Counseling & Student Support Student Support Staff

Counseling Staff Shamelle Yemofio, MA Director of College Counseling, Senior Class (K-Z) Mr. Terry Burroughs, MS Counselor - Senior Class (A-J) Mr. Herman Frazier, MEd Counselor, Junior Class

Mr. Michael Jones ’96, MA Counselor, Sophomore Class Ms. Cherese Carter, MEd Counselor, Freshman Class Ms. Lauren Jackson Registrar

Services: Academic Counseling • Organizational Skills Assistance

Ms. Dee Butler LR ’80, BA Coordinator, St. Andre Program

Ms. Tonja Braxton, MA

Mr. Keita Malloy ’89, MEd

Ms. Alicia Brown, BA

Mr. Nick Rodgers ’13, BA

St. Joseph Resource Center: The St. Joseph Resource Center is a dynamic student support hub available to all students. Academic, organizational, and technology help are available all day.

St. André Program: The St. André program is designed to support students with intellectual disabilities in an inclusive setting. The St. André program believes that all students deserve opportunities to maximize their academic, social and spiritual potential that supports our mission to educate hearts and minds in a dynamic, inclusive Catholic school community rooted in the Holy Cross tradition.

Students in the St. André program attend courses with their peers at least half of the day, along with receiving specialized instruction in our St. André classroom in reading, math, study skills and life skills. Students in the St. André Program participate in all aspects of the Holy Cross community.

They join clubs and athletic teams, serve at Mass, and participate in choir, dance, concerts, and school plays.

Students in the St. André program receive a certificate upon completion of their high school program, signifying their accomplishments here at Bishop McNamara High School. This is a non-diploma program.

.....................

Ms. Charaia Taylor Administrative Assistant

.....................

Mission: The Counseling Department provides a comprehensive developmental program to meet the personal, social, emotional, academic, college and career development needs of each student. Our professional counselors provide support in a warm, inviting, safe environment where students are always welcome and important. We provide services to maximize students’ potential and achievement while fostering the independence and selfexpression required for life long learning. In partnership with teachers, administrators, parents, and guardians, school counselors assist students as they learn to be effective problem solvers, responsible decision-makers, and critical thinkers who will become independent, productive members of society.

Dr. Abigail Greer, EdD Director of Student Support

• Academic Support Interventions • Peer tutoring coordination and referral

St. Joseph Program: Our St. Joseph Program is designed to provide a positive educational and social experience for a select group of students with learning differences. The St. Joseph Program and Center was named to honor St. Joseph, a patron of the Congregation of Holy Cross which sponsors Bishop McNamara High School. Known as compassionate, caring and mindful to the Holy Spirit, St. Joseph was the foster father to whom Jesus was entrusted, along with Mary, his mother.

Personal Counseling • Individual and Group Counseling • Coping Strategies • Peer/Social Relations and Mediation • Family Issues • Conflict Resolution • Substance Abuse Education • Referrals to Outside Mental Health Providers • Stress Management • Prevention Counseling College & Career Planning Counseling • Classroom Guidance Activities • Transition Planning • College/Career Planning • Curriculum Planning/ Scheduling • Standardized Testing Information • SCOIR (Online College Search) • Workshops • SAT Test Prep Workshops

His concern for the protection of the child Jesus provides a model for the nurturance of young people everywhere.

St. Joseph is also the patron saint for fathers, workers, and social justice; his feast days are March 19th and May 1st.

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ACADEMIC GUIDE

Bishop McNamara 2021-22

Clubs & Organizations Student Life Faculty Mr. Brian Brower, MEd Director of Student Life

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Bishop McNamara High School clubs and organizations are studentbased school organizations, consisting of administration-approved organizations functioning with a myriad of interests and functionality.

Each club or organization is composed of students with adults (usually faculty, staff or alumni volunteers) as advising figures to maintain the functionality of clubs.

Student Health Services Dr. Jessica Nash, DAT, LAT, ATC, NASM-CES

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Mission:

Student Health Services offers a collaborative approach to health care that addresses every student’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being in order to provide the best possible opportunity for success . All student medical information is stored in MAGNUS, our HIPAA compliant electronic medical record.

Honor Societies

• ASL Honor Society • International Thespian Society Troupe • Moreau Scholar Society • Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society • National English Honor Society • National Honor Society • National Honor Society for Dance Arts • Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society • Science National Honor Society • Tri-M Music Honor Society

Professional Organizations

• Architecture, Construction, and Engineering (ACE) Mentoring Club • McNamara Redtails • Mock Trial • Music Production Club • Pre-Med Club • Science and Ecology Explorers Club • The We Are All Educators (WAAE) Organization, Inc.

Cultural Organizations

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Anime Club Art Club ASL Club Black Cultural Alliance Filipino/Asian Pacific American Cultural Enlightenment (FACE) Club Latin American Student Organization My Hair My Crown Pep Band Social Activism Support (SAS) Step Team

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Faith & Service Organizations

• Best Buddies • Black Catholic History and Spirituality Club • Fellowship of Christian Athletes • Human Life and Theology of the Body Club • Life Information for Teens (LIFT) • Social Justice Club • Teens in Action • Vocations Club • Women’s Empowerment

Recreational Organizations

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Adventure Club Archery Club Book Club Chess Club Downward Dawgs Yoga Club God’s Wonders of Wildlife Awesome Animal Appreciation (God’s WOW, AAA) Club Karaoke Club Puzzle Time Quiz Bowl True Crime Club

Student Leadership

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Freshman Class Cabinet Sophomore Class Cabinet Junior Class Cabinet Senior Class Cabinet McNamara Emerging Leader Training (MELT) • Student-Athlete Leadership Council • Student Council

Student Publications

• Comedy Classroom • Fiction Writing Club

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Campus Expansion

1 Andy Mona ’82 Student Center 2 Tyoka Jackson ’89 Athletic Field 3 St. Joseph Library & Resource Center Science Labs 4 Moreau Chapel 5 Terrell Edelen ’14 Memorial Garden 6 La Reine Science & Innovation Center (future site) 7 Alumni Hall / Mount Calvary Expansion

at Bishop McNamara High School In the last 20 years, we have dedicated more than $20 million to renovating, upgrading and expanding our facilities to better serve our students.

Often referred to as “The Campus That Never Sleeps,” Bishop McNamara High School is a truly unique and special campus. Our students consider their school to be a second home. Over the last decade, Bishop McNamara has continued to grow and change with time. We have transformed our academic and athletic facilities to encourage growth and inspire our community. Classroom upgrade and modernization has been in full effect.

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CITE Lab Fine Arts & Athletic Center Holy Cross Hall Mammano Softball Field Next Generation Classrooms

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Bishop McNamara 2021-22

The La Reine Science & Innovation Center With the vision to “Innovate, Transform, Thrive,” the La Reine Science & Innovation Center, scheduled to open in 2022, will be a hub for technology, collaboration and discovery by offering new academic programs in science, technology, cybersecurity, engineering, entrepreneurship, and multimedia. By providing students with next generation, hands-on learning experiences, Bishop McNamara High School hopes to develop the innovators of tomorrow.

science labs, featuring two chemistry, two physics and a health science lab. It will also include a cybersecurity lab, multimedia studio, and entrepreneurship workspace, and the state-ofthe-art innovation lab will be the centerpiece of the building, complete with industry leading hardware such as 3D printers, vinyl cutters, drill presses and computer components that can make a machine run and affect its performance.

As Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks says, “The La Reine Science & Innovation Center will be a game changer, not only for Bishop McNamara students, but for the Prince George’s County community as a whole. We know that STEM education is critical to ensuring our young people can compete professionally after high school.”

The La Reine Science and Innovation Center will be a 20,000-square-foot building that will provide deep, handson learning experiences for the student community to explore, create, discover, collaborate and innovate. The Center will offer seven classrooms, five of them as customary

For more information on how to support the Faith. Family. Future! Capital Campaign, please contact Director of Development Ms. Heather Nadolny at (301) 735-8401 ext. 158 or via e-mail to Heather.Nadolny@bmhs.org

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SCHOOL YEAR

Questions? | Contact Us Ms. Kendall Isadore Director of Enrollment Management Ms. Deanna Warnock Assistant Director of Admissions admissions@bmhs.org . 301-735-8401

Bishop McNamara High School 6800 Marlboro Pike Forestville, MD 20747-3270 301-735-8401 admissions@bmhs.org www.bmhs.org

Stay connected with Bishop McNamara!

Visit our website: www.bmhs.org