Bishop McNamara Admissions Viewbook 2021-22

Being Family

Building Respect

Educating Minds and Hearts

Bringing Hope

FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

Dr. John Barnhardt Dear Bishop McNamara High School Family and Friends, 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. 56 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-ofclass 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

“We are Bishop McNamara. We are Holy Cross.

We choose through our words and actions to build family, show respect, educate our hearts and minds, and bring hope. We choose to think with Christ” 2

School Code, Bishop McNamara High School

Our Vision and Mission Our Vision: Empowered leaders, inspired by the Gospel, transforming the world.

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

I always remind students that we all have dreams and aspirations to be something great, but if we embrace the words in James 1:19 and, ‘are quick to listen, slow to speak and always slow to become angry’, God will speak to us in marvelous ways. He accepts us on our best days and loves us all the same on our worst days, his love is unconditional.

Dian A. Carter Principal, Bishop McNamara High School

THE 4 PILLARS OF HOLY CROSS: • Building Family • Showing Respect

• Educating Minds and Hearts • Bringing Hope

Blessed Basil Moreau founded the Congregation of Holy Cross as a religious teaching order. The cornerstone of a Holy Cross education is the belief that minds and hearts should be educated as one; the mind is never prioritized over the heart.

In order to accomplish this goal, over the course of their history Holy Cross schools have focused on teaching Gospel values alongside the core academic curriculum. A Holy Cross education is respectful and inclusive of all faiths. The order embraces the idea of a global community and, above all, is committed to providing students with a quality education exemplified by the highest standards.

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

• Bishop McNamara is committed to developing in all students a sense of self-worth and accomplishment.

• By welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, the School exposes its students to a variety of traditions beyond their own, instilling a respect for the cultures and values of others.

• Bishop McNamara serves those within our community without prejudice, accepting all persons as they have been created in God’s infinite goodness.

• Through spiritual and academic guidance and service to others, the School provides an opportunity to participate in the practice of the Catholic faith in an atmosphere supportive of religious values.

• This faith message is taught not in isolation but is integrated with learning and living by relating the Gospel message to content areas, by the living example of faculty and staff, by partnership with families, and by service to the outside community.

• Students learn a sense of responsibility for one’s actions and for the well-being of the local and global community through a range of evolving curricular, co-curricular and institutional programs.

• Bishop McNamara provides a strong, challenging and diverse curriculum that allows each student to achieve success commensurate with ability and effort.

• Bishop McNamara helps the student develop the power to reason independently and think creatively.

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Campus Expansion

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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.

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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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Next Generation Classrooms Alumni Hall / Mount Calvary Expansion Andy Mona ’82 Student Center CITE Lab Fine Arts & Athletic Center Holy Cross Hall Mammano Softball Field Moreau Chapel St. Joseph Library & Resource Center Science Labs La Reine Science & Innovation Center (future site) Terrell Edelen ’14 Memorial Garden Tyoka Jackson ’89 Athletic Field

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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.

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

For more information on how to support the Faith. Family, Future! Capital Campaign, please contact Director of Donor Relations, Ms. Sandy Mammano at (301) 735-8401 ext. 295 or via e-mail to sandy.mammamo@bmhs.org

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Bishop McNamara High School opened its doors in 1964 and has been providing an extraordinary Holy Cross education for our students ever since. With a co-educational advantage, students — regardless of gender — learn to collaborate on academic and extracurricular endeavours side by side with one another.

Our School graduates an average of 200 students each year, and we know that they go on to become forces for good. Through our tradition of academic excellence and our commitment to faith and service, our students become counter-cultural contributors to society with the confidence to lead, the competence to see, and the courage to act.

Academic Profile Our students will: • Achieve academic excellence • Develop strong faith and morals • Commit to formation of self • Actively seek transformation of society • Pursue service and justice

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counties represented in the

McNamara students are empowered leaders inspired by the Gospel. They are purposeful and intentional in their devotion to bringing hope and change to the world by helping those in need on the local, national and international levels. Their dedication and passion continues long after their high school years. Thanks to the rigorous curriculum we provide at Bishop McNamara, our students think creatively and critically; they embody strong morals and exhibit their own self-awareness and understanding of faith; they gain an appreciation for a broad range of disciplines and subjects; they come to embrace differences in culture — in short, our students become informed, formed and transformed throughout their Bishop McNamara education.

872 STUDENTS

2021-22

SCHOOL YEAR

217

FRESHMEN • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

215

SENIORS

DMV District of Columbia / Maryland / Virginia

“McNamara offers a whole world of opportunities. You are free to try anything you want — play that sport, join that club, try that instrument. There is nothing you can’t try.”

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David Perez, ’21

Academic Excellence

With our rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum, Bishop McNamara High School educates the minds and hearts of each and every student in a thriving, inclusive Catholic community. We make sure to provide engaging, handson, inquiry-based learning opportunities for our students beyond the classroom, including internships, online learning opportunities, guest speakers, field trips and even chances for students to travel abroad and experience other cultures firsthand. Our students are always grateful for such opportunities, which would not be possible without the generous support of our donors.

DID YOU KNOW? The distinguished faculty and staff of Bishop McNamara average 14 years of professional experience in their respective fields, with 64% holding advanced degrees.

MORE THAN

190 COURSES OFFERED 54 Honors Courses

Providing a modern, innovative and inspirational next generation education

17 Advanced Placement Courses 5 Modern & Classical Languages

11:1

STUDENT-TEACHER

RATIO

S.T.E.A.M. PROGRAMS 1:1 EDUCATIONAL DEVICE PROGRAM & TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION

The growth and changes that happen in high school are essentially the same for a teenager.

What is different, however, is the environment in which the teenager experiences high school, and that’s where McNamara is different — here you are cared for and educated in a way that is not similar to other high schools. When you fall, we catch you. When you want to succeed, we propel you. The word that best describes our vibe is simply, love.

Emily Koenick

English Teacher, Bishop McNamara High School

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Faith & Service

Bishop McNamara is proud of its Catholic identity and Holy Cross heritage. We are committed to providing opportunities for our students to live out the Gospel message and put into action the Catholic Social Teachings. As a part of that commitment our students complete hours of community service to a variety of people in need. These service experiences are designed to help our students go beyond the required hours and build a habit of serving their communities.

Prayer is woven into the fabric of the Bishop McNamara experience. Beginning every day together taking a moment

to pause, center ourselves and offer our day to God, each class participating in a retreat that is reflective of our core values, and gathering together once a month for schoolwide liturgies are a few of the ways the Campus Ministry department strives “to make God known, loved, and served.”

Our goal is to create spaces where students can reflect on and process their every day lives through the lens of spirituality.

We do this through the formal programming mentioned above, but we also do this by being available to our students informally between classes or before or after school.

CLASS RETREATS Opportunities for spiritual formation, appropriate to the developmental level of students, challenge them in their faith MASS HOLY CROSS SERVICE PROGRAM Guided by love of neighbor and the work of social justice, students are encouraged to move out of their comfort zones as they seek to help those in need.

M.E.L.T. — McNAMARA EMERGING LEADERSHIP TRAINING PEER MINISTRY SERVICE TRIPS

“With eyes of faith consider the greatness of your mission and the wonderful amount of good which you can accomplish.”

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Fr. Basile Moreau, Christian Education, 1856

Technology & Innovation Through the expansion of our science curriculum and of our spaces such as the CITE Lab, Bishop McNamara High School is working towards a new era of S.T.E.A.M. education for our students. We were proud to launch a Foundations of Engineering class to give students hands-on opportunities to learn about the basics of programming and engineering.

Students interested in working with technology and computers are able to attend class and spend free periods in our CITE Lab. Under the instruction of our knowledgeable faculty and staff, students are able to design pieces they want to create with our state-of-the-art 3D printer, or learn how to program Raspberry Pi handheld computers. We have found that if students are able to do the hands-on work themselves, their interest in the subject matter skyrockets.

S.T.E.A.M. and

INNOVATION

To help students learn different applications and uses of technology, we have implemented a 1:1 educational device program at the School — teachers utilize online assignments and classroom activities, while students store presentations and assignments that are more easily accessible. This has encouraged more group-based work and cooperation between students when handling projects.

The classroom of the past featured lecture-based learning where the teacher was the primary focus of the room. As we have seen from student interaction and our classrooms and teaching style development, the classroom of the future will focus on the student. Studies have shown that each child learns differently, and rearranging the workspaces in the classroom encourages students to learn through group discussions with their peers and sharing experiences and reflections based on shorter lectures provided by the teacher.

Through this new method of teaching, students are able to provide more input in the lessons they want to learn — and thus feel more empowered to contribute during class — while simultaneously absorbing the information necessary to succeed in our college-preparatory education.

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Athletic Pride Bishop McNamara High School maintains a proud tradition in athletics.

We expect our athletes, coaches and fans to represent the student body and the Bishop McNamara community by displaying the highest standards of sportsmanship and self-discipline.

The Athletics Department at Bishop McNamara educates the whole person, not just the athlete. As an extension of the classroom, athletics at Bishop McNamara instill Christian values on the playing fields, in the classroom and the community. Bishop McNamara High School provides a variety of sports and athletic programs for our students.

Our student-athletes are driven by core

BMHS Athletic Programs FALL values of faith, dignity, determination, sportsmanship and teamwork. While many student-athletes continue their athletic pursuits at the collegiate level, and some even at the professional level, the times they cherish most are the times they spent here at Bishop McNamara. The bonds they form here remain with them long after graduation, making them Mustangs for L.I.F.E- Leadership, Integrity, Faith and Excellence.

Cheerleading - Co-ed JV, Varsity Cross Country - Co-ed Varsity Dance Team - Girls Varsity Football - Boys Freshmen, Varsity Soccer - Girls JV, Varsity Soccer - Boys JV, Varsity Tennis - Girls Varsity Volleyball - Girls JV, Varsity

WINTER Archery - Co-ed Varsity Basketball - Girls JV, Varsity Basketball - Boys Freshmen, JV, Varsity Cheerleading - Co-ed JV, Varsity Dance Team - Girls Varsity Indoor Track & Field - Co-ed Varsity Swimming & Diving - Co-ed Varsity Wrestling - Co-ed Varsity

SPRING

48% 34%

of the student body are student-athletes participate in more than one sport

Baseball - Boys JV, Varsity Golf - Co-ed Varsity Lacrosse - Girls JV, Varsity Lacrosse - Boys JV, Varsity Outdoor Track & Field - Co-ed Varsity Softball - Girls JV, Varsity Tennis - Boys Varsity

Class of 2021 Athletic Commitments Andrew Garner (Baseball) - Clark-Atlanta University Miles Peterson (Baseball) - Xavier University of Louisiana Joshua Wilson (Baseball) - Frederick Community College Derek Jackson (Football) - McDaniel College Domonique Cherry (Football) - Susquehanna University Sanai Haythe (Track & Field) - Less-McRae College Shawn Pelote (Track & Field) - Goucher College Elijah Coleman (Boys Soccer) - Bridgewater College Brooke Varner (Softball) - Hampton University Jade Greene (Softball) - Howard University Madison Miller (Track & Field) - Marquette University Tyrek Kelly (Football) - Sacred Heart University Tyvon Edmonds, Jr. (Football) Merrimack College

Girl’s Basketball

2020 WCAC Champions

Lindsey Bayes (Softball) New England College David Brown (Boys Basketball) Loyola University Maryland Terrence Butler (Boys Basketball) Drexel University Taylor Gibson (Girls Basketball) University of Michigan Jaden Ritzes (Baseball) Methodist University Ryan Shieh (Baseball) Liberty University Ryan Davis (Baseball) University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Bishop McNamara

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WITH

10

boys and girls varsity

sports and athletic programs to offer,

is a proud participant in the highly-competitive

Washington Catholic Athletic Conference

Talent in the Arts The Fine Arts Department at Bishop McNamara offers one of the most comprehensive arts programs within a college preparatory curriculum in the Washington D.C. region. Our large musical ensembles, intimate dance classes, theatrical productions, and art studios offer comfortable, rewarding, fun, yet challenging environments for all participating students.

Creativity, discipline, and self-expression are essential components to a Bishop McNamara Fine Arts education.

Our Fine Arts Programs are uniquely placed in both the academic and co-curricular life of the school. We offer courses and performance opportunities in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. The Fine Arts Department faculty are practicing artists and professional teachers who share a love, passion, and vocation to teach.

84%

OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN FINE ARTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

16% Dance

35% Music

34%

Theatre

15%

Visual Arts

Traditional African Music and Dance Traditional African Music & Dance I, II, III, & IV Sankofa Ensemble

Band and Orchestra Concert Band Symphonic Band Wind Ensemble String Orchestra Jazz Ensemble Percussion Ensemble Honors Musical Pit Orchestra Athletic Pep Band

Choir Concert Choir Chorale Chamber Choir Vocal Jazz Ensemble Show Choir

Classical Dance Classical Dance I, II, III, & IV Tap I, II, III, & IV

Theatre Introduction to Theatre Theatre Technology Acting Advanced Acting Musical Theatre Repertoire Honors Great Stages of Drama Fall Musical Production Spring Play Production

Visual Art Drawing Color Advanced Drawing Digital Art Advanced Digital Art AP Studio Art: 2D Photography

*Honors credit option is available for advanced students in all genres.

Honor Society Music - Tri-M Music Honor Society Dance - National Honor Society for Dance Arts Theatre - International Thespian Society The Fine Arts Diploma Endorsement (F.A.D.E) program is unique to the Bishop McNamara High School Community. This program serves to refine students’ talent and skills, cultivate a community of respect, appreciation, and understanding of the arts, and acknowledge students’ dedication to the FIne Arts throughout their high school career.

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Our Graduate Profile Through our Holy Cross, college-preparatory curriculum, Bishop McNamara High School students are challenged to think creatively and critically, ask thought-provoking questions and solve problems concerning local, national and international issues. Our students are instilled with the confidence to see and the courage to act; they collaborate with others to put their academic, personal and academic skills to use in facing these challenges. Through service learning and campus ministry opportunities, students explore and reflect on their personal faith. Through this foundation, they go on to embody strong morals to face difficult decisions and act in a manner which reflects an understanding of the dignity God affords all people. They feel a commitment and social responsibility to help those in need, and learn to appreciate cultures and backgrounds different from their own.

These teachings remain with them long after graduation.

Bishop McNamara High School students don’t just learn skills and study habits that are only useful in the classroom, they also learn how to be good people; servant-leaders committed to solving problems and embracing others - regardless of cultural differences.

Bishop McNamara High School Class of 2021 Profile: 4-YEAR COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES 84% Public: 51% Independent: 21% Catholic: 12% 2-YEAR COLLEGES 9% OTHER 7%

academic statistics

99%

Rate

BMHS Class of ’21

College Acceptance

20

Athletic Scholarships Awarded to the class of 2021

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Full Academic Scholarships

71%

with a GPA of 3.0 or higher

51%

enrolled in one or more AP course

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189 Graduates 246 College/University Offers

$21+

Million garnered in scholarships and financial aid

On average our senior classes earn more than 21,000 community service hours “I love how our students truly develop a thirst for justice.

Our kids often become very active in causes that promote a greater society. In a world torn apart in so many ways, our kids truly become active, bringers of hope.”

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Paul O’Brien, Theology Teacher

Transportation Carpools:

List of Cities of Current Students

Bishop McNamara High School is excited to announce our new partnership with CarpooltoSchool, the online carpool service that’s fast, easy and secure. For more information and registration, visit CarpoolToSchool.com.

Accokeek

Dunkirk

Lothian

Bus Transportation Information:

Annapolis

Arlington, VA

Fort Washington

New Carrollton

Bus transportation will be provided by the following companies: • The Student Shuttle • Street Transportation Services • JMM Transportation • Capital Area Transportation

For more information, contact admissions@bmhs.org.

Metrorail and Metro bus

Please contact WMATA for exact routes, times, and fees.

Possible routes may take you to the Suitland Metro Station where you take the K12 Bus, or the Addison Road Metro Station where you may take the Jl2 Bus to the stop across from the school. Routes and stops may change from time to time so contact the WMATA for the latest information.

Alexandria, VA

Gambrills

Germantown

Beltsville

Glen Burnie

Bladensburg

Glenarden

Bowie

Glenn Dale

Brandywine

Bryans Road

Capitol Heights Cheltenham

Chesapeake Beach Cheverly

Greenbelt

Hughesville

Huntingtown Hyattsville

Indian Head

Mitchellville Oxon Hill Pomfret

Port Republic

Saint Leonard Seabrook

Seat Pleasant Silver Spring Springdale Suitland

Temple Hills

Joint Base Andrews Upper Marlboro

Churchton Clinton

Landover

Valley Lee

Largo

Washington DC

Lanham

College Park Crofton

Forestville

District Heights

Laurel

Waldorf

White Plains

The teachers and staff strive to make sure every student gains an exemplary education at Bishop McNamara and will continue to succeed after high school.

Amelia Talbot ’21

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Start Your Journey Today CREATE YOUR MACCESS ACCOUNT

Whether you are adding your name to a mailing list, scheduling visits and tours, or submitting an application, you must first establish an account. Your MACCESS account is the nexus for the BMHS admissions process. From your account you will be able to: • • • • •

submit an application download forms and upload documents schedule visits, tours and other events see your admissions progress and decisions access important information

Sign up today! www.bmhs.org > Admissions > Start the Application Process

Details and documents to download are available and accessed by clicking on the checklist step. The checklist does not have to be completed in the order listed.

Please make sure to check back frequently to ensure all required steps are completed and documents provided in the accepted format so there is not a delay in reviewing your student’s application and issuing a decision.

ADMISSIONS PROGRESS

LOG INTO YOUR ACCOUNT

Please take the time to become familiar with your checklist and due dates.

MACCESS can be found by going to www.bmhs.org > Click on MACCESS on the top right corner

We are excited to be taking this journey with you as you navigate choosing the right high school for your child. We are pleased to help you with any questions you may have throughout the process. — The Admissions Team

Once you submit the form to create your account, our staff will review your submission and assign a checklist based on the information provided. Usernames and passwords will be generated and an email will be sent from the system. Please be sure to follow the instructions in the email to access your account.

If you do not receive an email with login instructions, please contact admissions@bmhs.org. Do not submit another inquiry.

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ACCESS YOUR CHECKLIST

When you log in, you will see an Admissions Progress Page with a checklist of items to complete so the Admissions Team may evaluate your student.

Information about upcoming deadlines will be issued in a newsletter bi-monthly throughout the year. By providing your email when you establish your account, you have also signed up to receive emails. If you do not receive the newsletter, please check your spam folder.

Should you have any admissions questions, please email us at admissions@bmhs.org.

Bishop McNamara High School

Educating the whole person ...spiritual, intellectual, artistic, physical, and social 15

Questions? | Contact Us Mr. Vincent Harrington, ’09 Director of Admissions Ms. Deanna Warnock Assistant Director of Admissions admissions@bmhs.org

Bishop McNamara High School 6800 Marlboro Pike Forestville, MD 20747-3270 PH: 301-735-8401 FAX:301-735-0934 www.bmhs.org

Stay connected with Bishop McNamara!

Visit our website: www.bmhs.org