A Lasting Impact
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ost future careers depend on scientific knowledge. To encourage students to learn and to love science, IHS has remodeled its physics, chemistry and technology labs in the past few years, as well as added brand new biology and CNA hospital room labs.
This year Assistant Principal Mary Ann Foncello also served as Science Department Chairperson. In this role, Mrs. Foncello dedicated herself to building a cohesive program and developing a coordinated team approach to teaching science at Immaculate. She mentored new teachers, and encouraged them to emphasize problem solving and investigation in the curriculum and increase the number and quality of lab activities. And while she “retires” from many of her non-teaching roles this year, her impact will be felt forever at Immaculate.
“Our science curriculum provides our students with a strong foundation in the sciences. It prepares them to pursue careers in the Sciences, Medicine and Engineering,” “Our science curriculum provides our students with a strong foundation in the sciences. It prepares them to pursue careers in the Sciences, Medicine and Engineering,” said Mrs. Foncello. “For those who don’t pursue careers in the sciences, we provide them with the ability to analyze information, to separate truth from fiction and to be knowledgeable and responsible citizens,” she noted. Classes include forensics, biomedical science, anatomy & physiology, health, environmental science and a CNA program in addition to chemistry, biology and physics, with the classes being on the college prep, honors, advanced placement and UCONN Early College Experience levels. Mrs. Foncello, who began teaching biology and chemistry at Immaculate in 1982, said that the science department goes through a continuous process of program review so that decisions can be made 10
on how to make any needed improvements. The department’s goal is to meet or exceed the Next Generation Science Standards whereby students discover science and apply the science they have learned. The plan is also to incorporate more authentic experiences and interdisciplinary activities. Since she first walked through the front door of Immaculate in 1966, Mrs. Foncello, Class of 1970, has served in the roles of teacher, Assistant Principal, Acting Principal and Parent of a Student and Alumnus (Martin ’96). “In the 54 years that I have been a member of the Immaculate family, I have known and/or worked for every Principal and President. During my 16-year tenure as the Assistant Principal, I have served under six Principals and three Presidents,” Mrs. Foncello said. She has also served as Science Department Chairperson, Faculty Advisor for the National Honor Society, Founder and Moderator of the Science Club, Class Advisor, Manager of the IHS Bookstore and as a Member of the Recognition Committee. Mrs. Foncello believes that Immaculate’s science program aligns with the teachings of the Catholic Church and with Immaculate’s motto To Seek Truth Is To Seek God. “I believe that those who study science seek God. It is a way for us to come to know God and the majesty of His creation,” she said. “We provide our students with an education that stresses spiritual, moral and intellectual growth, and as a result they are prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world,” Mrs. Foncello added.
