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SJA E-NEWS | December 9, 2016

Parents: At-A-Glance

In This Issue Student Spotlight

Monday, December 12-Tuesday, December 13 ODE Testing See Schedule Below

College Corner Rugby Team Honored at Ohio Statehouse

Wednesday, December 14

Celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Early Dismissal, 2 p.m.

Thursday, December 15

Mandatory State Testing Continues Next Week

Ugly Christmas Sweater Day Christmas Celebration Concert Auditorium, 7-9 p.m.

Students Create Holiday Spirit for Families of Seriously Ill Children Academy Chorale Sings at Cleveland Cavaliers Game Sophomores Attend The Nutcracker First Fair Trade Boutique Considered Success

Friday, December 16 Joe's Clothes Day Winter Sports Pep Rally Academy Center, 2:30 p.m. Christmas at the Academy Girls in Grades 2-6, Auditorium, 6:30-8 p.m.

College Credit Plus SJA/Cavs Tickets Sports Highlights

Quick Links School Calendar Paw Prints Store Calendar

December 19 Advent Prayer Service Academy Center, 2-3 p.m.

December 20-21 Final Exams December 22-January 4 No School/Christmas Break

Rugby Team Honored at Ohio Statehouse Congratulations to the Rugby team, who traveled to Columbus to be honored by State Representative Martin J. Sweeney (P'09, '10 and '14) of the House District 14 at the Ohio Statehouse for their first National Championship title last spring!

The Rugby team at the Ohio Statehouse

"We are all so proud of our accomplishment and know it is truly an honor to win a National Championship, but to be recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives at the Ohio Statehouse made it even better," said team captain Annie Rolf '17.

Celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

On Thursday, the entire student body participated in the Celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary Mass in the Academy Center. The mass was bilingual, with readings and prayers in Spanish and English.

Student Spotlight

The mass was presided over by Fr. Michael J. Stalla of Ss. Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church. Prior to joining that parish, he served on a diocesan mission in El Salvador for six years.

Name: Esther Ngemba '18 Accomplishments: This past summer, Esther attended the National Youth Event in Orlando, Florida. At the event, Esther heard the story of a Syrian refugee. "I was inspired by the refugee's story. I realized I have my own story as a refugee and I need to advocate for refugees who do not have a voice. I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in 2006, my family was forced to become refugees because of the war. We lived in Uganda for five years; I thought those were the worst years of my life, but now I know those years were the best and the most formative. They made me who I am today." Esther decided she wanted to talk to people about her experience and help change people's perception of refugees. With the help of the Academy, she made a very moving video about refugees. Esther presented the video and shared her story with over 100 teenagers at the Ohio Conference Fall Youth Event. After her presentation, she answered questions from the audience, who was mesmerized by her story and ability to tell it. They were surprised that was one of her first times giving the presentation. After Esther shared her story, she has been asked to speak at other venues by the United

Fr. Stalla shared his appreciation for the great teacher Mary: "..on this day, one of the major feast days of the Immaculate Conception, we ask that Mary continues to teach what it means to trust in Jesus; what it means to take our personal faith and bring it into the community; what it means to be a member of this faith and share with the world that doesn't understand the way that they will."

Mandatory State Testing Continues Next Week Students in the classes below are required by the Ohio Department of Education to take an end-of-the course assessment during the semester they are enrolled in the class. Algebra 1 or Honors Algebra 1 Geometry or Honors Geometry Letters were sent to parents of students needing to take these tests. Students should come prepared for testing by having their Chromebooks fully charged and bringing ear buds. They should eat a healthy breakfast and be wellrested to do their best. Below is the schedule for the specific test dates. Questions? Contact School Counselor Ms. Maryann Marek. Monday, December 12

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, December 13 December 14 December 15 December 16

Algebra 1 Geometry No Test 8 a.m.-12 p.m. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Auditorium Auditorium

No Test

Students Create Holiday Spirit for Families of Seriously Ill Children

L-R: Annaclaire Lonsway '18

Each year, United Airlines hosts a Fantasy Flight to the "North Pole" for seriously ill children and their families from University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital and Cleveland Clinic Children's. This is United's largest community service project annually. This year, 12 students from the Academy were selected, thanks to Ms. Janie DeVito P'20, to help create this winter wonderland for families of hospitalized children. Three girls from the Balloon Club, seven girls from the Cancer Awareness Club and two other SJA students participated in the E-Team (Elf Team). They greeted the children at the departure gate, led them in carols, distributed gifts, did crafts with the children and the Balloon Club members made balloons.

Church of Christ National staff. Activities & Interests: Esther is a member of the Model United Nations (UN) Club, Chinese Club, French Club, Photography Club, Track, LEXUS EcoChallenge and Catholic Students for Peace and Justice (CSPJ) Club.

College Corner

School: Fordham University Location: Bronx, NY 10 hours from Cleveland Urban, Catholic Enrollment: 8,000 undergraduates Strongest Programs: Business, International Politics, Health Sciences, Economics Fun Facts: Many movies and television shows have filmed on Fordham's campus, including A Beautiful Mind, The Exorcist, Godspell, The Adjustment Bureau, White Collar, Saturday Night Live and an appearance by U2 at Fordham for Good Morning America. fordham.edu

with a child on the Fantasy Flight

Last weekend, the flight from Cleveland Hopkins Airport flew over a lit-up Cedar Point, over Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland and landed at the "North Pole." The aircraft taxied to an area of the airport which was transformed into a Winter Wonderland where children met Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves and characters from the movie Frozen. The children were given gifts, participated in crafts and games and returned home through a magic walkway. "My favorite part of the event was seeing how happy all the children were when they arrived at the "North Pole." This experience touched me because these children have a much more difficult life than me and they are still so happy, grateful and positive. It was very empowering," shared Annaclaire Lonsway '18.

Academy Chorale Sings at Cleveland Cavaliers Game Last week, The Academy Chorale sang the National Anthem at the Cleveland Cavaliers game. Assistant Principal L-R: Emma Rosberil '20, Regan Bushok '20 and Assistant Miss Megan Gaffney, Principal Miss Megan Gaffney singing at the Cavs game along with Vocal Music teacher and Department Chair Ms. Kathleen Cooper and 24 students held the flag on the court and sang while four upperclasswomen led the anthem: Lauren Osadczuk '17, Jocelyn Perkins '18, Elise Scullin '17 and Laurel Slawinski '17. "Singing the National Anthem at the Q was absolutely amazing! It was a little nerve-wracking to sing in front of 20,562 people, but once we were in the moment, all of us performed wonderfully. I was so honored to be a part of this because I am such a huge fan of the Cleveland Cavaliers. My favorite part was being able to invite all everyone at the game to sing with us! This will truly be an experience that I will never forget," shared Laurel Slawinski. Click here to watch The Academy Chorale lead the National Anthem.

Sophomores Attend The Nutcracker Students in the Class of 2019 attended The Nutcracker last Friday. Students enjoyed performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet, Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Children's Chorus at the State Theater. This was a performing arts field trip exposing students to the cultural gems of Cleveland.

Students from the Class of 2019 at The Nutcracker

First Fair Trade Boutique Considered Success Students and the community had the opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts that help people and help the planet at

"I've always loved going to Playhouse Square to experience The Nutcracker. It's amazing how much coordination and skill goes into ballet and I would love to have the opportunity to go again in the future," stated Jane Wight '19.

last week's Fair Trade Boutique, presented by the Catholic Students for Peace & Justice (CSPJ) Club last Thursday. They browsed various fair trade items from more than 20 vendors. "The Catholic Students for Peace and Justice (CSPJ) Club board and I gathered information about the topic of Fair Trade to educate students and the community about what it is, where you can find it in our community and why buying Fair Trade benefits people across the globe. From finding vendors to communicating the event to the student body, many hours of work went into planning the Fair Trade Boutique," stated Riley Justice '17. "The Fair Trade Boutique was important for the Catholic Students for Peace and Justice (CSPJ) Club initiative Students shopping at the Fair Trade Boutique because as Catholics, our social teachings instruct us to value the dignity of humanity and be in solidarity with the common good. Excessive hours, unfair wages and dangerous working conditions threaten both of those principles; therefore, our organization is dedicated to educating students about these injustices so that our generation can be 'the generation that gets it right' in the words of Sister Juanita Shealey, CSJ. I am motivated to stand in solidarity with those faced with these injustices because I have seen it first hand. In many countries, citizens do not have any laws protecting them and their rights as a worker. I hope through educating students that we can ultimately take a stand against these injustices that our brothers and sisters face," shared Riley Justice.

College Credit Plus Through a program called College Credit Plus (CC+), the state of Ohio provides high school students an opportunity to earn college credit during their high school years. CC+ classes may be taken at any Ohio public college/university or from any participating private college. Students must apply to both the CC+ program and the college where they intend to take classes. (Neither funding by the state nor acceptance by the college is guaranteed). Students interested in learning more about the CC+, see page 23 of the SJA Student Handbook and visit the website by clicking here. After review of both resources, please attend our College Credit Plus Information Night on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. Questions? Please contact College Counselor Ms. Maria Mueller.

Join Us at SJA/Cavs Game at Quicken Loans Arena (The Q) Cheer on the Jaguars as they take on the Louisville Leopards in a game at The Q on Friday, January 27 at 3:30 p.m.! Afterwards, fans can stay and watch the Cavs game vs. Brooklyn that begins at 7:30 p.m. All fans who want to attend the SJA game are required to purchase a Cavs ticket that will provide them access to the SJA game and the Cavs game. You cannot attend the SJA game without a ticket to the Cavs game. The Athletic Department has a very limited block of tickets remaining for purchase. Tickets will be transferred to the email address of the person who purchases the tickets via Flash Seats. $40 tickets are available to purchase via credit card only by clicking here. There are also a limited number of $87 tickets available. These tickets are in section 133. If you would like to purchase these tickets, you must call Athletic Director Mr. John Manuszak at 216.251.5495 and pay by credit card over the phone. Tickets are very limited and will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sports Highlights

Basketball: Jaguars Celebrate Overtime Victory Over Magnificat The Jaguars, behind a buzzer-beating three-pointer at the end of regulation from guard Gia DiMassa '17, came back in dramatic fashion on Wednesday evening to post a 59-55 overtime win over Magnificat. The Jaguars trailed the entire game until the final second of regulation. With the Jaguars down 50-47 and seven seconds remaining, Head Coach Varsity Basketball Mrs. Maggie Ferrando called time to set up one final play. DiMassa came off two screens and fired a high-arcing three pointer from the left wing that found nothing but the bottom of the net. The game was tied at 50-50 and headed to overtime. In the extra session, the Jaguars jumped out first on a pair of DiMassa free throws. Colleen Drellishak '17 added two free throw makes which was followed up by a huge basket from Bre Coleman '18. The Jaguars then burned 45 seconds off the clock moving the ball around before Magnificat could foul. When they did with 1.7 seconds left in overtime, they fouled Coleman who ended the game with a pair of free throw makes. Colleen Neitzel '18 led the Jaguars with 21 points and nine rebounds while DiMassa finished with 13 points and four assists. Drellishak had 12 points and five assists. Coleman finished with 10 points and nine rebounds and outstanding defense throughout the entire game. Swimming The swim team started its season competing against 10 other teams in the St. Charles Showdown last Saturday in Columbus. The Jaguars took 8th place as a team and were led in scoring by Maddy Kelly '20 who placed 2nd in the 100 IM and 1st in the 50 backstroke. To check out photos or to see schedules for the upcoming week, click here.

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Saint Joseph Academy | 216.251.6788 | www.sja1890.org 3470 Rocky River Drive | Cleveland, OH 44111