Middle School Booklet

ROVIDENCE CHOOL PPP ROVIDENCE ROVIDENCESS T.TM .M EL ELSS CHOOL CHOOL

2

An independent, Private college-preparatory An An independent, independent, Private Private college-preparatory college-preparatory

making better place,people. making better place, a better time,aaand a better 2 a better time, and a better people. a better time, and a better people.

2

school Chicago’s west side school school onon on Chicago’s Chicago’s west west side side

MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHOOL MIDDLE ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS ADMISSIONS 2019-2020 2019-2020 2019-2020 making a better place,

www.psmnow.com 773-722-2222

OURS DETERMINATION...

OURSIS ISAA HISTORY HISTORY OF OF DETERMINATION...

CONGRATULATIONS ESTEEMEDCOLLEGE COLLEGEAND ANDUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITYACCEPTANCES ACCEPTANCES CONGRATULATIONSTOTOTHE THECCLASS LASSOF OF2018 2018 FOR FOR THEIR THEIR ESTEEMED AND SCHOLARSHIPOFFERS OFFERS! !

ANDFOR FORTHEIR THEIR ACCOMPLISHED ACCOMPLISHED SCHOLARSHIP Alma College• •American AmericanUniversity University•• Arizona Arizona State University University Alma College University••Augustana AugustanaCollege College• •Ball BallState State University BeloitCollege College••*Boston *BostonUniversity University •• *Carnegie *Carnegie Mellon College Beloit Mellon University University••Carthage CarthageCollege College• •Coe Coe College Colorado StateUniversity University••****CORNELL CORNELLUNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY** • University • DePaul DePaul University University••DePauw DePauwUniversity University• •Drexel Drexel University Colorado State *Emory University• •Fisk FiskUniversity University••Florida Florida State State University University •• George College *Emory University GeorgeWashington WashingtonUniversity University• •Hope Hope College Howard University• •Illinois IllinoisCollege College••Illinois Illinois State State University University •• Illinois University Howard University IllinoisWesleyan WesleyanUniversity University• •Indiana Indiana University Indiana University NW • Iowa State University • Kansas State University • *Kenyon College • Lawrence University Indiana University NW • Iowa State University • Kansas State University • *Kenyon College • Lawrence University LouisianaState StateUniversity University••Loyola Loyola University University • • Marquette MarquetteUniversity University••Maryville MaryvilleUniversity University Louisiana Michigan State University • Mississippi State University • *New York University • Northern Illinois University Michigan State University • Mississippi State University • *New York University • Northern Illinois University Ohio State University • Ohio Wesleyan University • *Pennsylvania State University Ohio State University • Ohio Wesleyan University • *Pennsylvania State University Purdue University • St. Mary’s College—Indiana • St. Norbert College • St. Olaf College • Seton Hall University Purdue University • St. Mary’s College—Indiana • St. Norbert College • St. Olaf College • Seton Hall University Southern Illinois University—Carbondale • Spelman College • Syracuse University • University of Arizona Southern Illinois University—Carbondale • Spelman College • Syracuse University • University of Arizona University of Central Florida • *University of Chicago • University of Dayton • University of Denver University of Central Florida • *University of Chicago • University of Dayton • University of Denver University of Illinois at Chicago • *University of Illinois at U-C • University of Iowa • University of Kansas University of Illinois at Chicago • *University of Illinois at U-C • University of Iowa • University of Kansas University of Kentucky • University of Louisville • University of Maryland • *University of Michigan University of Kentucky • University of Louisville • University of Maryland • *University of Michigan University of Missouri • University of Nevada—Las Vegas • **UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA** University of Missouri • University of Nevada—Las Vegas • **UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA** University of Pittsburgh • University of Texas • University of Tulsa • University of Washington University Pittsburgh • University of TexasUniversity • University of Tulsa •University University• of Washington *University of of Wisconsin—Madison • *Vanderbilt • *Villanova Wartburg College *University of Wisconsin—Madison • *Vanderbilt University • *Villanova University • Wartburg College *Washington University in St. Louis • Western Michigan University • Wheaton College • Wittenberg University *Washington University in St. Louis • Western Michigan University • Wheaton College • Wittenberg University Top 200 National Universities/Liberal Arts Colleges Top 200 Universities/LiberalArts ArtsColleges Colleges *Top 50 National National Universities/Liberal Arts Colleges *Top 50 National Universities/Liberal **IVY LEAGUE**

**IVY LEAGUE**

AND A RECORD OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 3 AND A RECORD OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 3

rr“SHADOW A KNIGHT FOR A DAY”

“SHADOW A KNIGHT FOR A DAY” See what Providence St. Mel is really like! We invite interested 8thth grade See what Providence St. Mel is really like! We invite interested 8 grade students studentstotospend spenda aday dayatatPSM PSMasasaa“Knight “Knightfor foraaDay”.

Day”.You’ll You’ll shadow shadow aa current the currentstudent, student,attend attendclasses, classes,meet meetteachers teachersand andstudents, students, have have lunch lunch in in the cafeteria cafeteriaand andexperience experiencea aday dayininthe thelife lifeofofaaProvidence ProvidenceSt. St. Mel Mel student. student. th graders only.

“Knight for a Day” or Shadow Day visits are for current 8 th “Knight for a Day” or Shadow Day visits are for current 8 graders only.

Shadow ShadowDays Daysare areavailable available from from October through April, and October through April, and may may not not be be available days. availableon onselect selectactivities activities or or exams exams days.

Interested Interestedstudents studentsneed needwritten written parent parent // guardian guardianconsent consentprior priorto to attending. attending.

Call Callthe theOffice Officeof ofAdmissions Admissions to to arrange arrange aa Shadow ShadowDay: Day:773-722-2222 773-722-2222

MULTIPLE MULTIPLESIBLINGS SIBLINGSFAMILY FAMILYASSISTANCE ASSISTANCE

25 25 $30million million $30

in college college scholarships scholarships in in the the past past five fiveyears! years! in MISSIONSTATEMENT STATEMENT MISSION

ProvidenceSt.St.Mel Melweweknow knowthe theimportance importanceofofkeeping keepingyour yourfamily family together!

AtAt Providence 2 Children—AsAslow lowasas$350 $350per perchild child//$700 $700family family plan plan — 10 2 Children— installments installments Children—As Aslow lowasas$275 $275per perchild child//$825+ $825+ family family plan plan —10 3+3+Children— installments installments

Amountsmay mayvary. vary.Parents Parentsmust mustcomplete completethe thePSM PSMFinancial FinancialAid Aid application application for Amounts for determinationofofneeds needsbased basedeligibility. eligibility.Above AboveFamily FamilyPlans Plansare are for for Middle Middle & determination & Lower School students.

High School students will be slightly higher based on Lower School students. High School students will be slightly higher based on financialaidaidresults. results. financial TRANSPORATION BUSTRANSPORATION BUS ProvidenceSt.St.Mel Melprovides providesbus bus Providence transportationtotostudents studentsfrom fromthe theSouth South transportation and farther West sides of Chicago to help and farther West sides of Chicago to help those with a longer commute. those with a longer commute.

class of of 2018 2018 class average act act score: score: average

4 4

At At Providence ProvidenceSt. St.Mel, Mel,we webelieve. believe.

We We believe believein inthe thecreation creationofofinspired inspired lives lives produced producedby bythe themiracle miracleofofhard hard work. work. We Weare arenot notfrightened frightenedbybythe the challenges challengesof ofreality, reality,but butbelieve believethat that we we can can change changeour ourconception conceptionofofthis this world and our place within it. world and our place within it.

So So we we work, work,plan, plan,build, build,and anddream dream —in that order.

—in that order.

We We believe believethat thatone onemust mustearn earnthe the right to dream.

Our talent, discipline, right to dream. Our talent, discipline, and and integrity integritywill willbebeour ourcontribution contribution to a new world. Because we believe to a new world. Because we believe that we can take this place, this time, that we can take this place, this time, and this people, and make a better and this people, and make a better place, a better time, and a better people. place, a better time, and a better people.

With God’s help, we will either find a With God’s help, we will either find a way or make one. way or make one.

AAMODEL MODELFOR FORURBAN URBANEDUCATION EDUCATION AtAt Providence ProvidenceSt.St.Mel MelSchool, School,our ourmission missionisistotobebeaaschool schoolwhere whereevery every child receive s a world-class education and is empowered to reach child receives a world-class education and is empowered to reachtheir their their fullest potential.

For forty consecutive years since our founding their fullest potential. For forty consecutive years since our founding as as an an independent school, 100% of our graduates have been accepted to four-year independent school, 100% of our graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.

AsAsour colleges and universities. ourmission missionstatement statementaffirms, affirms,these these accomplishments accomplishmentsareare“produced “producedbybythe themiracle miracleofofhard hardwork”. work”.Our Ourdedicated dedicated faculty continues to challenge our hardworking students to be globally faculty continues to challenge our hardworking students to be globally competitive, competitive,and andour ourstudents studentscontinue continuetotoachieve. achieve.

The Class The Classofof2018 2018was wasnonoexception! exception!Not Notonly onlydid didthey theycontinue continue the the tradition college traditionofof100% 100% collegeacceptance, acceptance,the theACT ACTaverage averagefor forthe theClass Class of 2018 was 2018 was25.25.The Thenational nationalaverage averagefor forthe theACT ACTisis21, 21,and andthe thestate state average average is 21.4.

InInthetheChicago is 21.4.

ChicagoPublic PublicSchools, Schools,the theACT ACTaverage averageisis18.4 18.4overall overall and 16.9 forfor African 16.9 AfricanAmerican Americanstudents. students.Recently, Recently,the theClass Classofof2015 2015 made made school history—100%ofofthese thesegraduating graduatingseniors seniorswere wereaccepted accepted to to “tier school history—100% one” andIvyIvyLeague Leagueschools. schools.High HighACT ACTscores scoresare areintegral integralin inreceiving receiving one” and college scholarshipfunds. funds. college scholarship The average student thatenters entersProvidence ProvidenceSt. St.Mel MelSchool Schoolas asaafreshman freshman will will The average student that th th th th increase their ACT score 7-8points pointsfrom from99 grade gradeto to11 11 grade. grade.Despite Despite not not increase their ACT score byby7-8

requiringananentrance entranceexam, exam,Providence ProvidenceSt. St.Mel Melstudents studentsstill stilloutperform outperform requiring their peersbecause becauseour ourmodel modelintrinsically intrinsicallymotivates motivatesand andadvances advances each each their peers student reachhigher higherand andachieve achievemore. more. student totoreach Providence Melisisuniquely uniquelyprepared preparedtotoequip equipour ourstudents studentswith withthe the tools tools Providence St.St.Mel encouragementthey theyneed needtotoexcel excelacademically. academically.Our Ourcurriculum curriculum has has andand encouragement provided generationsofofour ourstudents studentswith withthe thetools toolsneeded neededto tobe beproductive productive provided generations dutiful citizens.Our Ourschool schoolcontinues continuestotoimbue imbuestudents studentswith withthe the andand dutiful citizens. confidence, academic discipline, and personal values they need to succeed confidence, academic discipline, and personal values they need to succeed in life after high school. in life after high school.

5 5

average average faculty faculty tenure: tenure:

15 years years

88% 88%

hold hold advanced advanced degrees degrees

AT PROVIDENCE ST. MEL, WE BELIEVE. 6

From the 2017 Musical Performance, Sister Act

WE BELIEVE IN THE CREATION OF INSPIRED LIVES PRODUCED BY THE MIRACLE OF HARD WORK. 7

OUR SUCCESSFUL HISTORY. YOUR BRIGHT FUTURE. A Providence St. Mel education provides access to: 

Immersive core courses in English, Math, Science, Technology, and Social Studies



A variety of electives and clubs to match student goals and interests A vast array of additional learning opportunities, including our Fine Arts Program, our STEM Program, and our Summer Opportunity of a Lifetime (SOAL), all of which open up pathways for students in college and beyond A comprehensive Guidance Program that teachers our Middle School students important test– and note-taking skills, and will later guide them through the college application and financial aid process After-school and Saturday tutoring offered through our Academic Intervention Model to help students struggling with classes or a specific subject







EXTRACURRICULARS MUSIC, BAND, THEATER, AND DANCE Beginning Band Concert Band Jazz Band Symphonic Band

Middle School Choir Middle School Advanced Choir Prep Choir Concert Choir Chamber Choir

COMPETITIONS School Musical Orchestra Theater Dance

ACT-SO Competition ILMEA All-State Music Competition Lego Robotics League Math, Art & History Competitions (State, Regional & National) Pegasus Playwright Competition

CLUBS Art Club Chess Club Discipline Court Club Drama Club

Shakespeare Competition The Stock Market Game 1350 Foundation’s Pride Essay Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Fine Arts Week

ORGANIZATIONS Science Club Spanish Club Poetry Club Louder Than A Bomb

The Castle (Yearbook) The Knightly News (Newspaper Club) 8

Class Officers Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Honor Society (Elementary & High School)

Student Government Student Ambassadors STEM Robotics Program

IT’S A GREAT DAY

TO BE A KNIGHT 9

10

WE ARE NOT FRIGHTENED BY THE CHALLENGES OF REALITY...

11

STUDENT EVENTS EVENTS && ASSEMBLIES ASSEMBLIES STUDENT

HolidayAssemblies Assemblies Holiday

Eighth Eighth Grade GradeCommencement Commencement

Dr.Martin MartinLuther Luther King King Jr. Jr. Assembly Assembly Dr.

Athletic AthleticAwards AwardsAssembly Assembly All All School School Field FieldTrip TripDAY DAY

DanceRecital Recital Dance CollageConcert Concert Collage ChoirTours Tours Choir

SCIENCE SCIENCE FAIR FAIR

Each quarter, we recognize the accomplishments and daily hard Each quarter, we recognize the accomplishments and daily hard work of our students at our Honors Assemblies! These schoolwork of our students at our Honors Assemblies! These schoolwide celebrations give students the chance to applaud their peers wide celebrations give students the chance to applaud their peers and recognize their shared successes. Work, Plan, Build, Dream! and recognize their shared successes. Work, Plan, Build, Dream!

12 12

SUMMER SUMMER OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY OF OF A LIFETIME (SOAL) For institutions to togive givethousands thousandsofof Forover over2020years, years,Providence ProvidenceSt. St.Mel Melhas haspartnered partnered with with many prestigious institutions students varietyof ofacademic, academic,art, art, studentsthe theopportunity opportunitytototravel traveldomestically domesticallyand and abroad abroad during the summer for aa variety wilderness, Opportunityof ofaaLifetime Lifetime(SOAL) (SOAL) wilderness,and andservice serviceinternships! internships!Students Studentsparticipating participating in the Summer Opportunity program withstudents studentsfrom fromall all programhave havethe thechance chancetotoexpand expandtheir theirlearning learningoutside outside the classroom and compete with backgrounds. widevariety varietysuch suchasasthe the backgrounds.These Theseprograms programsrange rangefrom fromboth bothdomestically domestically and abroad, and include a wide OxbridgeProgram, Program,Camp CampKamaji Kamajiinin Oxbridge Minnesota,asaswell wellasasacademic academic Minnesota, programsatatBrown BrownUniversity, University, programs NorthwesternUniversity, University,and andIndiana Indiana Northwestern University.

University.

MIDDLESCHOOL SCHOOLDESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS MIDDLE BirchTrail TrailCamp Camp Birch CampFoley Foley Camp Camp Kamaji Camp Kamaji Camp LakeHubert Hubert Camp Lake Camp Lincoln Camp Lincoln Camp Timberlane Camp Timberlane ChippewaRanch RanchCamp Camp Chippewa Concordia Language Villages Concordia Language Villages I2Camp I2Camp Northstar Camp Northstar Camp OxbridgePrograms—Cambridge Programs—Cambridge Oxbridge PurdueUniversity UniversityMEP MEP Purdue Robotics Program Robotics Program University of Whitewater Wisc.

University of Whitewater Wisc.

UIC Summer Prep UIC Summer Prep “The Oxbridge program allowed me to learn more about “The Oxbridge program allowed me to learn more about

not only Los Angeles, but my peers who I grew to know notand only Los Angeles, but my peers who I grew to know love. It was a step out of my comfort zone and a step and love.

It was a stepexperience. out of my comfort a step toward the college There waszone lotsand of cultural toward the college experience.

There was lots of cultural variety, and I learned more about lifestyles and culture in variety, andcountries.

I learned Imore culture in different lovedabout everylifestyles aspect ofand it, and am very different countries.

I loved every aspect of it, and am very grateful that I had the chance to do this program.” grateful that I had the chance to do this program.”

- Robert M., Class of 2023 | Participant in Oxbridge - Robert M.,atClass of 2023 | Participant in Oxbridge Program UCLA

13 13

Performing Performing && Fine Fine Arts Arts

AsAsschools schoolsnationwide nationwideare aredrastically drasticallyeliminating eliminating music music and art programs, Providence St. Mel is soaring in the and art programs, Providence St. Mel is soaring in the Performing Performingand andFine FineArts!

Arts!Spanning Spanningover over the the entire entire PrePreSchool through Grade 12 student body, our well-known School through Grade 12 student body, our well-known academic academicprogram programisisaccentuated accentuatedwith with an an extensive extensive Fine Fine Arts curriculum, including: Arts curriculum, including: 5 5choirs choirs

55instrumental instrumentalgroups groups Annual AnnualBroadway BroadwayProductions Productions Dance DanceProgram Program Studio StudioArt ArtProgram Program

“The “Theprogram programgave gaveme meaasense senseofofdirection. direction.What WhatIIlearned, learned,opened opened up music

asasa apossibility possibilityfor formy myfuture. future.ItIthad hadaablossoming blossomingeffect. effect.IIknew knew one one aspect of music, music,and andthe themore moreI Ilearned, learned,the themore morepetals petalsgrew grewaround around what what I knew to expand expandmy myknowledge… knowledge…My Mybest bestmemory memoryisiswhen whenDr. Dr.Baar Baarallowed allowed me to conduct conductthe thechoir. choir.During Duringaacompetition, competition,IIwas wasable abletototeach teach my my class class and conductone onechoir choirwhile whilemy myteacher teacherconducted conductedanother. another.Both Both groups groups scored a conduct DivisionI score!

I score!I was I wasempowered empoweredtotolead, lead,and andititwas wasmeaningful.” meaningful.”

Division - JessicaBailey, Bailey,Class Classofof2016, 2016,Yale YaleUniversity University——Sociology Sociology and and Musical Musical Theater - Jessica

S.T.E.M. S.T.E.M. ever-changingworld worldwhere wherescience, science, technology, technology, InInananever-changing andmathematics mathematicspervade pervade nearly nearly every engineering,and engineering, partofofour ourlives, lives,Providence ProvidenceSt. St.Mel Melstrives strives to to inspire and part enablethe thenext nextgeneration generationof ofcritical criticalthinkers thinkers and and enable beginningasasearly earlyas askindergarten. kindergarten. innovators,beginning innovators,

Studentshave havehands-on hands-onopportunities opportunities to to experiment experiment and and Students testscientific scientificconcepts, concepts,and andininmath maththey they have have test opportunitiestotomaster masterand andpractice practicecore core concepts concepts such such opportunities problemsolving, solving,computing, computing,and andreasoning reasoning to to asasproblem allstrands strandsof ofmathematical mathematicalproficiency. proficiency. developall develop

14 14

2018—2019 COURSE OFFERINGS Art

8th grade: Students study the second half of American History, from 1865 to present day. The Western Movement, World Wars I and II, and America’s changing role in the world. In addition, the

Covers the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. With a focus on visual arts, students are exposed to art history and theory.

United States Constitution and governmental structure is taught.

Reading & Language Arts

Music

Students focus on reading, writing, and analyzing literature, Emphasis is placed on learning how to formulate thoughts into well -written paragraphs, stories, and essays. Students are exposed to various types of literary work through quarterly novels, short

Students have access to a number of music groups tailored to a range of student levels. Courses include: Beginning Band • Concert Band • Choir • Advanced Choir • Orchestra

stories, and poetry.

Stem

Social Studies

Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Algebra

6th grade: Covers ancient civilizations in the Americas, Europe,

Science, with a focus on subjects like: Geology • Earth Science • Biology • Elementary Physics • Oceanography • Astronomy • Anatomy/Physiology • Electronics

Africa, and Asia and seeks to understand why people decided to live together in communities, as well as how these communities developed and interacted with each other.

Guidance

7th grade: Focuses on the first half of American history, from

In this unique offering, students develop valuable communication skills through oral and written presentation. They also practice techniques for solving problems and negotiating compromises with peers and adults in a respectful and appropriate manner.

pre-European exploration to the Civil War. Early America, including the Colonial Era, the American Revolution, the growth of the country, and the tensions of the Civil War will be highlighted.

Geography and economics are also discussed.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT

2017 PASS RATES:

Our Middle School students continue to prepare for collegelevel coursework. Once they enter high school, students will have access to Advanced Placement courses. These classes allow students to take exams for college credit and get a head start in their college coursework! Our students pass at a rate above the state and national averages!

15

85%

PSM Class of 2017

State Average

National Average

66% 60%

BUT BELIEVE THAT WE CAN CHANGE OUR CONCEPTION OF THIS WORLD AND OUR PLACE WITHIN IT. 16

“I came to the school very shy and

embarrassed to ask questions... It isn’t only

YMJ UWTLWFR GZY YMJ UJTUQJ . FR XZWWTZSIJI \NYM YMFY YJQQ RJ . HFS IT NY 2^ YJFHMJWX YMJ UWNSHNUFQ FSI R^ HQFXXRFYJX FQQ MF[J pushed me to be more confident.”

- Destiny (Right), Class of 2018

9MJ TYMJW XHMTTQX YMFY . FUUQNJI YT FSI \FX

FIRNYYJI YT \JWJ YTT JFX^ FSI . SJJIJI F HMFQQJSLJ -Antasia (Left), Class of 2015, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business

17

“Long story short, there wasn’t really FS^ WJFXTS YT NS[JXY RZHM NS RJ . wasn’t showing much promise, yet look where I am now. That’s why

NS[JXYNSL NS 5WT[NIJSHJ 8Y 2JQ RFPJX F INKKJWJSHJ YMJ^ NS[JXY NS UJTUQJ QNPJ RJ RFPNSL YMJ GNLLJXY difference possible.”

- Sam (Right), Class of 2013, U.S. Air

Force Academy Graduate

“I know the classes are tough, but I realize NY NX GJHFZXJ TZW YJFHMJWX \FSY YMJ GJXY KTW ZX 2^ YJFHMJWX PST\ \MFY NY YFPJX YT prepare me to go to college… At first when I

HFRJ YT 5WT[NIJSHJ 8Y 2JQ FSI . \FX MF[NSL F INKKNHZQY YNRJ . \FX JRGFWWFXXJI FSI MJXNYFSY YT FXP KTW MJQU 2^ YJFHMJWX JSHTZWFLJI RJ YT HTRJ FSI LJY FIINYNTSFQ MJQU FKYJW XHMTTQ 9MJ^ WJRNSIJI RJ YMFY .

18

was capable and committed.”

- Darion (Left), Class of 2021

COLLEGE BEYOND COLLEGE & & BEYOND SCHOLARSHIPS + SUPPORT SCHOLARSHIPS + SUPPORT

AtAtProvidence student receives financial aid. Although the average education cost per student is ProvidenceSt.St.Mel, Mel,every every student receives financial aid. Although the average education cost per student is $15,700, all students. students.In Inother other $15,700,Providence ProvidenceSt. St.Mel Melcovers covers$6,638 $6,638 of of this this cost cost for for all words, receive additional additional words,0% 0%ofofour ourstudents studentspay payfull fulltuition. tuition. 88% 88% of of families families receive financial per student! student! financialaid aidand andscholarships scholarshipsworth worthan anaverage average of of $3,205 $3,205 per 2017-2018 2017-2018 ACT ACT SUMMARY SUMMARY

Through middle school, school, Throughour ourGuidance GuidanceProgram, Program,which whichstarts starts as as early early as as middle

Providence help prepare preparethem themfor for ProvidenceSt. St.Mel Melstudents studentsare aretaught taughttest testtaking taking skills skills that that help the . Scores and scholarship scholarship theACT ACT . Scoreson onthis thisexam examdirectly directlyeffect effect college college enrollment and

opportunities. below demonstrate demonstrate opportunities.The The2017-2018 2017-2018ACT ACTscore scoreresults results highlighted below our enrollmentschools. schools. competewith withtheir theirpeers peers at selective enrollment ourstudents’ students’abilities abilitiestotocompete

29 29 25 25

29 29 26

25 18 18

*Selective Enrollment *Selective Enrollment

19 19

21 21

21 21

SO WE WORK, PLAN, BUILD, AND DREAM — IN THAT ORDER. WE BELIEVE THAT ONE MUST EARN THE RIGHT TO DREAM. 20

OUR TALENT, DISCIPLINE, AND INTEGRITY WILL BE OUR CONTRIBUTION TO A NEW WORLD.

21

PROVIDENCE ST. MEL ALUMNI HAVE BECOME PRODUCTIVE AND DUTIFUL CITIZENS “Providence St. Mel has been and continues to be a foundation for a better life. Everyone who gets an education at PSM is set for life if they continue to do what they have learned there. It is also like a family, and when I got out in the world, I found the tenacity that I had while at Providence St. Mel helped me in life.”

- Gregory C. (Class of 1983), Operations Officer for the Surgeon General of the Army and White House Social Aide

“The principles of the mission statement continue to influence my choices. Providence St. Mel is connected to every positive experience that I have encountered particularly those that relate to professional and academic accomplishments.”

- Kimberlee B. (Class of 1988), Founder and Executive Director of A Child’s Space

“When I reflect on those who have sacrificed greatly to provide me the opportunity to step forward, the faculty at Providence St. Mel stands at the forefront…an organization centered around providing a strong, stable education for an extremely vulnerable population of students—at arguably the most critical point in each of their lives—must be respected.

During the greatest financial and emotional struggle of our lives, my parents enrolled me at Providence St. Mel with the faith that I would at least have a chance to succeed. And needless to say, their faith was not misplaced.”

- Damari C. (Class of 2011), Harvard Medical School, 2017 Rhodes Scholar finalist

“On my first day in college, I realized that everyone at Brown is smart. Compared to some of my cohorts, I am extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to attend such an amazing institution for high school because the crucial skills for success and a passion for learning have been instilled in me.”

- Eshe H. (Class of 2013), Brown University 22

BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT WE CAN TAKE THIS PLACE, THIS TIME, AND THIS PEOPLE, AND MAKE A BETTER PLACE, A BETTER TIME, AND A BETTER PEOPLE. 23

WITH GOD’S HELP, WE WILL FIND A WAY OR MAKE ONE. “Highlighted cultural traits of Providence St. Mel School: a strong belief that [school] culture determines outcomes, a nurturing but demanding culture, and a culture committed to student success.”

- Samuel Casey Carter, On Purpose: How Great School Cultures

Form Strong Character (2010) “The academic demands of PSM are very great, beginning with the expectations that every minute of class will be used well and that students will not be spoon-fed but rather encouraged to understand material and take charge of their own learning and achievement.”

- Dr. Michael Pressley, How a School that Works for African American

Students Works, Journal of Educational Psychology (2004)

24

.

Below are just a few accomplishments of Providence St. Mel students in 2018: 

Congratulations to the brilliant 7th graders who participated in the Center for the Book’s national “Letters About Literature” contest. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recognized the achievements of the following students: Madison B., Ajene C., Mario H., Mallanah J., Jaden M., Aaliyah R., Aiden S., Rachel S., Caleb W., Zyon E., Journee M., and Niaja W.



Students performed Sister Act, with April Shipp, featured artist at the Joffrey Ballet, as the choreographer for this production.



Middle School students Laila G., Joseaya H., and Niaja W. won 1st Place in the Chicago Area Middle School Stock Market Game Competition, with over 13,000 Illinois students and 62 student teams participating in this competition.



Students shared their science projects during the annual Science Fair. We are #psmproud of Providence St. Mel students who use their talents as problem solvers and critical thinkers in order to be the next generation of leaders and innovators!



In 2017, nine students participated in the ILMEA Junior Competition at Reed-Custer Middle School, and seven students were chosen to participate in the festival performance on November 4th. Congrats to the following band students: Ajene C., Mario H., Daniel L., Ogechi O., Aiden S., Aiyannah T., and Dakota H.!



Congratulations to the ten Providence St. Mel 6th and 7th graders for receiving an award for the “Hydrodynamics” LEGO Tournament. The winning PSM team created a website to generate contributions to a charity that installs wells in Africa.

We are proud of their global citizenship!



We congratulate the PSM Class of 2015 as they near college graduation! Antasia G. will be graduating from University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business, Jessica B. will be graduating from Princeton University, Mariah B. will be graduating from University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign, and Ebonie O. will be finishing at Washington University in St. Louis!

4

YEARS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

119 South Central Park Boulevard

25

Chicago, IL 60624 773-722-7756 | psmnow.com