News & Notes Faculty in-service about ADHD
In August, Alice Ann Holland, PhD, ABPP presented to faculty and staff on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. Holland, a pediatric neuropsychologist, provided education on the signs and symptoms, the latest neurological findings, difficulties the disorder presents in learning, and helpful teaching methods in the classroom. She also discussed current research and, as technology is improving, the far-reaching impact ADHD can have on a student’s life. Dr. Holland is the sister of Steve Spurgin ’06.
ACCIS 360 College Counseling Review
Marking milestones one year at a time… 10 years Fr. Raphael 15 years Fr. Ambrose Fr. Augustine André Bruce Erin Hart Jack Sims 25 years Patrick Mehen 30 years Mark Gray
(came back from retirement for three months to coach football)
45 years Roberto Munguia Fr. Gregory 55 years Bob Haaser
Jim Reisch
Fall middle school production of Fiddler on the Roof Jr.
The Dot Race tradition continues with Fr. Anthony and his Form II boys.
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Continuum FALL 2023
The Association of College Counselors at Independent Schools (ACCIS) was asked to provide a “360 Review” of our college counseling program. Four college counselors with significant experience in independent schools and college admissions offices met with multiple constituencies to evaluate our approach to college admissions. They also contacted multiple college admissions offices to collect opinions about Cistercian and our applicants and evaluated survey data from alumni and alumni parents for a recent perspective of people going through this process. Based upon their commendations and recommendations, the School has implemented changes to help our students shine even more brightly. Specifically: • Honors courses have been reclassified as “Advanced Honors” to better communicate the depth, pace, and knowledge expected within these courses. • Course names were retitled to better convey material taught (i.e., Euclidian Geometry and Principles of American Government). • Course weighting went from 0.6 to a full 1.0 bump for Advanced Honors courses adding an approximate .91 bump to a student’s unweighted GPA. • AP exam scores were highlighted in the school profile to communicate how well Cistercian students perform though not taking AP classes. • College admissions officers will be utilized to communicate to parents and students the changing admissions landscape, combat misinformation, and help convey a consistent message. • A subcommittee will work with alumni and parents to explore a shadowing program to introduce students to career fields. • Admissions counselors from Johns Hopkins University and Trinity University provided our faculty with guidance on what colleges are looking for in letters of recommendation. The School will continue to evaluate its college admissions program to ensure that we do everything possible to help our students remain competitive in a constantly evolving admissions landscape. •
