neWman central catholic high school
Newman News With Christ our Cornerstone and rooted in our Catholic faith, Newman Central Catholic High School fosters spiritual development, academic excellence, responsibility to self, and service to others.
Winter 2016 2017
From the principal’s desk
SAVE THE DATE: Easter Break Apr 14-Apr 17 Awards day May 10 Baccalaurate May 15 graduation May 17 last day of school May 24
iN this issUE Boys’ Basketball, Cheerleading
2
Wrestling, Boys’ Swim, Girls’ Basketball
3
Fundraisers
4
Memorials
5
Musical, Reunions
6
Hermes Story
7
R
ecently I was in a classroom in order to complete a classroom observation for Mrs. Spencer as part of the teacher evaluation process. The class was AP Lit/Language. The task for students was to write an intertextual comparison (analysis writing) between Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Obama’s Second Inaugural Address. The students wrote an analysis that demonstrated their understanding of the similarities between the two historical documents, the purpose of the addresses, and the social weaknesses of the times that upon which each speaker focused. If this seems like a
rigorous assignment to you, I echo the sentiment. The English Learning Standards for Illinois have adjusted the focus from persuasive writing to argument writing. In fact, all of the new standards for Illinois reflect rigor. To prepare students for college and careers, Newman provides excellent opportunities for our students. Students may earn college credit before they set foot on a college campus through dual credit courses that include Eng. 101/103, Stats, Chem 105, Psy103, and Spe 131. All of these courses are taught at Newman in concert with SVCC. AP US History is offered online through Illinois Virtual School. Thirty-seven Newman students are currently enrolled at Whiteside Area Career Center taking a variety of courses including: early childhood
education, allied health, digital media arts, criminal justice. Two Newman students participate in the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program. Next year Newman will have five students in the CEO program. The world of education standards has changed dramatically since 2010 in Illinois. The new learning standards for each content area require higher levels of learning, understanding, and performance by high school students in order to be ready for college and career opportunities. The faculty is responding to these changes with curriculum alignment in every department. Thank you, each and every one of you, for your support of our mission and for your prayers as well. We must remember always that Christ is truly our Cornerstone. Kathy Howard Superintendent/Principal