4 minute read
A Lasting Impact
Most 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,” 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 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.
HA PP Y RETIREMENT!
Mary Ann’s Senior portrait from 1970.
Mary Ann Foncello spent much of her lifetime at Immaculate, as a student, teacher and administrator, and she has many cherished memories. As a student, she “admired my teachers who were both knowledgeable and supportive.” She notes that her IHS science classes sparked her interest and imagination and helped make science her lifelong passion.
Mary Ann also appreciates the time she had as a teacher and Assistant Principal. “I have had the pleasure of working with so many talented, passionate and dedicated teachers who were more concerned about making a person than making a living. Immaculate is special; the teachers love to teach, the students love to learn and the parents love and support their children and the teachers,” Mary Ann said.
She has plenty of good advice for IHS students. “Cherish the friendships you make here. They are a part of your life and they will be with you for life! Learn to listen! Keep an open mind when presented with new ideas. Try taking things in a new direction. You might enjoy the scenery along the way and be pleasantly surprised at the end of the journey,” she advises.
Mary Ann will still teach science classes in semi-retirement, and spend more time with her grandchildren and exploring interests.
Since 2011 every student and parent has had the pleasure to know Tom Burns, Admissions Director. The first person they met when beginning their Immaculate journey, he was the key contact person who shared all the wonderful things that Immaculate has to offer and who guided them through the discovery and admissions process.
Recruiting over 900 students for Immaculate High School, Mr. Burns was awarded a prestigious ACAAP New England award for his admissions and marketing successes. He and his wife, Lisa, will be relocating from Connecticut. When asked about his time at Immaculate, he advises students to remember that “High school is a unique experience, a time when you can explore many activities and discover academic interests. Take these experiences and grow them through your life, then share them with others along the way.”
Mr. Burns will be missed, not only for his ability to ensure that new families feel welcome, but for his sense of humor and for his participation in IHS Spring Musicals including building sets, playing the clarinet in the pit orchestra and even acting in “West Side Story.”
