12-16-16 Weekly News

SJA E-NEWS | December 16, 2016 In This Issue Student Spotlight College Corner 2017-2018 Scholarship Information Model UN Makes Major Impact at Conferences Saint Joseph Academy Tutors Enjoy Christmas Party with Douglas MacArthur Girls Maltz Museum Exposes Students to Civil Rights Movement.

Academy Chorale Performs at St. Mark School Senior Parent Graduation Meeting College Credit Plus Holiday Hours at the Paw Prints Store Season Celebrated With Christmas Concert and Ugly Christmas Sweaters Sports Highlights

Quick Links School Calendar Paw Prints Store Calendar

January 5

Parents: At-A-Glance Monday, December 19 Advent Prayer Service Formal Uniform, Academy Center, 2-3 p.m.

Tuesday, December 20 Final Exams A, AP1, AP2, AP3 and B Block Exams 8 a.m.-12:15 pm

Wednesday, December 21 Final Exams C and D Block Exams 8 a.m.-12:15 pm

Thursday, December 22-Wednesday, January 4 Christmas Break, No School

Tuesday, December 27-Thursday, December 29 Office Open

Students - Important 2017-2018 Scholarship Information A letter has been mailed to parents regarding scholarships for the 2017-2018 school year. There have been a few changes to the application process, so please review the information below carefully.

The Class of 2018, Class of 2019 and Class of 2020 will be participating in a pilot program for online submission of the scholarship application.

Students will need to click the link below for their respective class to apply.

Senior Class Field Trip to Cleveland Orchestra

We suggest that you complete any lengthy responses or essay questions in a separate document first, then "copy" and "paste" the responses into the online application as you will not be able to save her application and complete it at later date. Note: several scholarships require letters of recommendations and should be submitted to the Main Office on Tuesday, January 17. Please do not wait until the last day to request these letters.

January 7

All scholarship applications are due by Tuesday, January 17, 9 a.m. and must

Start of Quarter 3

January 6

Admission Test SJA, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., 8th grade girls considering SJA are invited to take our Admission test.

Student Spotlight

be submitted online. For more information, email info@sja1890.org.

Class of 2018 Scholarship Application Link Class of 2019 Scholarship Application Link Class of 2020 Scholarship Applications Link

Model UN Students Gain Real-Life Experiences

Name: Emma Rosberil '20 Accomplishments: Emma is a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus (COYC) and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus Chamber Ensemble. "I was involved with the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus for two years and was encouraged to audition for the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus Chamber Ensemble. We practice on Sundays from 1:45 p.m.5:30 p.m. and have several performances throughout the course of the year," shared Emma.

On Monday, December 12, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus Chamber Ensemble had the opportunity to perform live on Fox 8 Cleveland. "I was excited to have the opportunity to perform at Fox 8 Cleveland. I will always remember how in awe the news anchors were of our voices," said Emma. Click here to watch the performance.

Activities & Interests: Emma is a member of The Academy Chorale, Show Choir and Glamour Gals.

Outside of SJA, Emma is involved with Spotlights

Last week the Model United Nations (UN) Club attended two conferences. On Wednesday and Thursday, 23 students attended the Cleveland Council on World Affairs Winter Conference. Five students won awards. Seniors Kaylyn Johnson, Clare Helmer and Elyssa Irizarry all won "Best Position Paper" awards. Juniors Claudia Stephens and Alyssa Durma were awarded the "Excellent Delegation" award.

Model UN members at the Chicago International Model United Nations conference

Last Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 12 students attended the Chicago International Model United Nations (CIMUN) conference in Chicago. They joined over 1,000 students from around the United States and Mexico. SJA represented the countries of Greece and Antigua Barbuda debating issues such as the death penalty as it pertains to foreigners and debt forgiveness for African nations.

Several of the Academy's students also participated in a historic Model UN simulation representing Greece and Antigua Barbuda in a 1994 United Nations simulation.This experience enabled them to learn about the conflicts and issues facing the world in 1994, but they also had to deal with the lack of technology and social media back then!

"I attended the CIMUN Conference in Chicago this past weekend and it was my first one. I enjoyed my experience because it was completely different than any other extracurricular activity in which I have participated," shared Maggie Sullivan '17. "I learned how to speak in parliamentary procedure and follow the rules of the United Nations in an effort to simulate real world diplomacy. I was able to collaborate with other students from around North America to work towards resolutions and solve world problems. This gave me a global perspective on issues discussed in many in my classes at Saint Joseph Academy, so I loved looking at the problems through the lens of another country. I represented Greece in the General Assembly and my topics were Threats to Global Economic Trade and Stability and Debt Forgiveness in Africa. I learned how to further incorporate collaboration in the classroom and how I can best utilize the perspectives around me to create the most comprehensive solution to problems that might arise," stated Maggie.

Tutors Share a Christmas Tradition with Douglas MacArthur Students

L-R: Douglas MacArthur student Mi'Kyah making crafts

For six years, SJA volunteers have taken the bus trip to Cleveland's K-8th grade Douglas MacArthur

Theater, Brecksville Theater on the Square and is a member of St. Albert the Great parish, where she also sings in the youth contemporary band.

College Corner

with Bri Scebbi '17

Girls' Leadership Academy to tutor

kindergarten to 4th grade students in various subjects.

On Tuesday, SJA hosted a Christmas party for the young girls during which they helped them make wreaths and enjoyed lunch together.

"From the beginning to the end of the year, there is a difference in the confidence the girls have concerning their academic ability. I think that the opportunity they have had to study in an all-girls' school and be tutored by girls from an all-girls high school forms a powerful network. When students from Douglas MacArthur Girls' Leadership Academy tell me they don't know what they want to be when they grow up at the beginning of the year but by the end of the year, they are convinced they could be President, I know the impact of the Saint Joseph Academy students have on the girls we tutor is academically and socially empowering," shared Bri Scebbi '17.

Maltz Museum Exposes Students to Civil Rights Movement in Unique Way School: Columbia College Chicago Location: Chicago, IL 6 hours from Cleveland Urban Enrollment: 11,000 undergraduates Strongest Programs: Advertising, Art and Design, Art History, Graphic Design, Illustration Fun Facts: Columbia College Chicago is one of the largest presenters of cultural events in the city of Chicago, sponsoring art exhibits, performances and workshops.

This week, students in US History and Digital Photography classes attended the This Light of Ours photography exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. The exhibit included striking black-and-white photographs from the Center for Documentary Expression and Art, which offers a stirring look at turmoil and achievements during a crucial moment in United States history.

Students at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

This Light of Ours exposes the struggle against race-based marginalization through the works of nine photographers who were part of the Southern Freedom Movement and documented the experiences of individuals who stood up to change America.

"The exhibit started with the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement. There were two photographs that stuck out to me. One photograph was of a young AfricanAmerican boy holding an American flag and a police officer trying to rip the flag away from him. The other photograph was of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his casket.

Those who had killed him thought the civil rights movement would cease with his death, but they were wrong - his death would only fuel the fire," shared Rachel Mancuso '19.

The Academy Chorale Performs at St. Mark School This week, The Academy Chorale sang Christmas music for St. Mark School. The performance entertained students and teachers at St. Mark School by putting them in the Christmas spirit and showcased The Academy Chorale's talented singers.

colum.edu

The Academy Chorale performing at St. Mark School

Mandatory Senior Parent Graduation Meeting

Wednesday, January 11 Auditorium, 7 p.m.

At least one parent/guardian should plan to attend this informational meeting regarding the senior events and expectations from the start of second semester through Commencement. Wine and cheese will be provided.

Inquiry-Based Learning Challenges Students Together, Science teacher and Department Chair Mrs. Valerie Sanfilippo, Student Support Services Mrs. Becky Goede McNulty '96, Student Support Services Mrs.Courtney Koz and Library/Media Center Mrs. Rebecca Synk engaged students in an extensive inquiry-based assignment. In Mrs. Sanfilippo's Honors Biology classes, students were asked to choose a scientific topic that interested them and take a position on the topic. Topics ranged from ideas including "Should Children Be Vaccinated?" and "Are Dreams Based on Reality or Imagination?"

Once students developed their own inquiry topic, they were required to use the Academy's online database system to read six articles on their topic and complete a worksheet summarizing their research. Together this team of teachers worked to support students throughout the inquiry assignment.

Teacher support was critical as the students developed a position on their topic, researched, wrote drafts, used the writing center, peer-reviewed and completed an American Psychological Association (APA) works cited. After engaging in discovery about their topic and going through the research process, students completed their final position paper last week.

L-R: Amanda Do '19, Elyssha Boscana '19 and Cecylia Guye '19 in Honors Biology

"I selected my topic on genetic modifications in infants being more prevalent in the future because I had heard about 'designer babies' on a television show and wanted to learn more about genetic modifications and the process. The most challenging part of the process was setting it up in the correct APA format and the writing process. Finding information pertaining to my topic was simple and the matrix kept things organized," stated Samantha Burke '19.

"The inquiry-based learning method ties into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), and the Academy is a candidate for IB MYP. The portions of the IB MYP profile inquiry-based learning touches on are inquirers and thinkers," shared Science teacher and Department Chair Mrs. Valerie Sanfilippo.

Holiday Hours at the Paw Prints Store As you are making your list and checking it twice, be sure to include some purple and gold items for the Jaguar fans on the list!

The Paw Prints Store has new items including winter accessories, Ugly Christmas socks, Ugly Christmas "sweater" sweatshirts, as well as Mom and Dad shirts.

Did your daughter fill out a Wish List? There are several names on file, so stop in to check and see if her name is listed!

Redeem your Jaguar Bucks tomorrow, Saturday, December 17!

The Paw Prints Store is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours: December 16: 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

December 17: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

December 19: 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

December 20: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

December 21: 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.-7 p.m.* *Last Chance Sale!

The Ugly Christmas "Sweater" Sweatshirt for sale in The Paw Prints Store

Season Celebrated With Christmas Concert and Ugly Christmas Sweaters Sadly, yesterday's snow day caused the annual Christmas concert

scheduled for last night to be cancelled. There was an abbreviated concert performed this afternoon for the student body and guests, including some parents who were able to attend. The concert was also live-streamed for parents to watch from elsewhere. There was the silver lining to the cancellation: the singers and musicians don't often get the opportunity to perform for their peers, and it was a delight to hear the talented young women perform some Christmas classics! Bravo to Miss Kathleen Cooper and Mr. David Mumford and the many students who shared their talents today. Click here for photos from the Christmas Concert.

Abby Helmer '19 playing flute during the Christmas Concert

The halls of SJA were filled on Friday with images of shiny Christmas trees, sparkly ornaments and lots of jolly Santas, thanks to "Ugly Christmas Sweater Day." For a look at the Christmas attire in all its glory, click here.

L-R: Sophomores Riley Drellishak, Allexus Zielinski, Julia McNamara and Hannah Nodge

Sports Highlights Basketball: Jaguars Celebrate Comeback Victory over Massillon Washington HS The Jaguars outscored Massillon Washington High School 14-0 in the fourth quarter to come from behind to post a 39-35 road win on December 10. The Jaguars trailed 25-13 at halftime but used full court pressure in the second half for the comeback win. With the win, the Jaguars move to 5-1 on the season. Colleen Neitzel '18 led the Jaguars with 12 points.

Swimming and Diving Tops Beaumont The swimming and diving teams had a strong performance on Tuesday night as they topped Beaumont 119-57 at the Hathaway Brown pool. Here are some highlights from the meet: Brittany Miller '18 took home first place in the diving competition with a 149.33 score, the Jaguars captured first and second place in Gia DeMassa '17 during the Magnificat the 200-yard medley relay, Julia Patterson '19 won the 200 yard game freestyle, Madison Kelly '20 won the 200 yard IM, while Anna Marsick '20 and Jadalise Pacheco '18 came in second and third.

Kassidy Gartin '19 won the 50 yard freestyle, while Paolo Camacho-Colon '19 took second and Lucy Polkinghorn '20 fourth. Gartin also won the 100 yard freestyle. Allison Sheehan '18 and Abigail Fleming '19 took first and second respectively in the 100 backstroke while Gina Khouri '18 was fourth.

The 400 yard freestyle relay of Kelly, Sheehan, Julia Patterson and Rachel Strick '17 won the 400 yard freestyle.

Rachel Strick '17 swimming at the Beaumont Swim Meet

To check out photos or to see schedules for the upcoming week, click here.

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