View from the Cupola - Photo Edition - Jan. 2017

Mount de Sales Academy for Girls

Winter 2017 | Special Photo Edition

WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL PHOTO EDITION OF THE VIEW FROM THE CUPOLA At Mount de Sales Academy, each student is on a journey to become the young woman God is calling her to be. We walk with them on this journey and create an environment that promotes confidence and challenges them to develop their individual talents to fulfill their potential. Students thrive by cultivating these God-given talents. Each student is taught that she can contribute to her community through service and respect for every human person, beginning with herself. The MDSA mission is timeless, and we are delighted to share this lovely compilation of photos that offers a glimpse into the life of our Sailors.

- Sister Mary Thomas, O.P. | Principal

We thank our Board of Trustees, families, and friends for loving and supporting our girls.

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We offer a rigorous liberal arts academic program. Students may customize their coursework based on specific interests within MDSA’s requirements. Each department offers electives for students to experience a well-rounded college preparatory education. The liberal arts program follows our belief in educating the whole student – spiritually, intellectually, morally, physically, and socially – in order for her to reach her full potential.

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MICROSOFT SHOWCASE SCHOOL are very proud to have earned the Microsoft Showcase School distinction, which identifies Mount “de We Sales Academy as a leader in innovative technology integration. Our teachers remain focused on the quality of learning experiences they provide, and they are not just using technology for technology’s sake.

Students and teachers regularly engage in the use of Microsoft and other digital tools that make learning more personal and interactive while encouraging the development of the 21st century human person.

– Lindsey Murphy | Director of Educational Technology and Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert

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“Technology allows us to collaborate and share ideas in new ways.”

CAROLINE DIVVER ’17

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KEEPING PEOPLE FIRST As part of Mount de Sales’ “re-accreditation process through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, we have undertaken a research project focusing on how classroom use of one-to-one devices impacts our students’ interpersonal skills. As teenagers increasingly spend time communicating through devices, both socially and academically, we recognize the need to foster the development of our girls’ social skills. Our teachers purposely design lessons that provide opportunities for face-to-face collaboration and academic conversation. Students regularly practice developing arguments through dialogue rather than from behind the protection of a screen, where they can carefully draft their responses.

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- Liz Johnson ‘95 Social Science Department Chair and Co-Chair of the Middle States Re-Accreditation Project

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Students take an active role in the high school experience at Mount de Sales Academy by getting involved in one of our many student clubs and organizations or by establishing their own. MDSA creates an atmosphere in which student clubs flourish.

Whether raising money for paws4vets, learning useful photo and design techniques, working on cybersecurity, or enjoying the finesse of a chess game, MDSA offers a variety of clubs that promote fun, passion, and potential career exploration.

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Support the Troops Club

Photo + Design Club

CyberPatriot

Chess Club

During these special high school years, traditions and events contribute to social and emotional formation. Coupling the spirited sisterhood of an all-girls school with timeless Mount de Sales traditions fosters passion, joy, and a sense of family among our Sailors. The 164-year legacy continues with each new class.

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“The Discipleship Program is intended to help students deepen their relationship with Jesus and the Catholic Church and learn

has helped “meDiscipleship to form friendships

how to share that relationship with others through Christ-centered friendships, prayer, and accountability. Two thousand years ago, the first disciples began this process of following Jesus and sharing Him with others. We hope to continue it here at MDSA!

that I otherwise wouldn’t have. It has offered me an accountability group which has helped me begin to take my faith more seriously, deepen it, and understand it. Additionally, it has formed a foundation of faith in me so I can leave Mount de Sales confident that I can continue the mission of discipleship.

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-Ruth Kalscheur | Math Teacher and Discipleship Program Facilitator

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- Maggie Stein ‘17

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“WHATEVER YOU DID FOR ONE OF THE

LEAST BROTHERS OF MINE, YOU DID FOR ME.” - Matthew 25:40

This Gospel message is a call to selflessness and service. Service to others draws us out of ourselves and teaches us to respond to Christ’s call to “love one another as I have loved you.” Serving others gives us the opportunity to put our faith into action and discover who we are through making a sincere gift of ourselves. Students are given the opportunity to serve others inside the Mount de Sales community, in the surrounding region, and even beyond our borders.

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The Fine Arts Department at Mount de Sales Academy provides every student with the opportunity to discover and develop her unique creativity. The variety and depth of the visual and performing arts offerings allow students to explore their talents and engage in the experience of the whole person, both physically and spiritually.

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- Angela Romeo ’94 P’18 | Fine Arts and Physical Education Teacher

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Athletics at Mount de Sales is a piece of the overall spiritual development of our girls. Our coaches take time during each game and practice to pray or meditate about how experiences on the field, track or court play a role in the spiritual maturation of themselves and their teammates. The lessons of team work, fair play, good sportsmanship and how to win and lose with grace, will be so valuable as the girls move on to college and their lives after Mount de Sales.

- Adam Noto | Athletic Director

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The world is in need of strong, intelligent, convicted, and faith-filled “women.

As teachers, we have the exciting privilege of watching this formation unfold under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. �

- Sister Amelia, O.P. | Religion Department Chair

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“Educating is an act of love; it is like giving life.”

POPE FRANCIS

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Mount de Sales Academy 700 Academy Road Catonsville, MD 21228

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Baltimore, MD Permit No. 6341

Photography by Elizabeth Binette Mahon ‘07 and Galeone Photographers