Learn more about what’s happening at McAuley on our website: www.mothermcauley.org
! Greetings from Dr. Melone
Dr. Christine Melone, President/Principal
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming single-gender expert and author Dr. JoAnn Deak to Mother McAuley. Dr. Deak spent the day meeting with students, administrators, faculty and parents.
Dr. Deak confessed she was just as interested in coming to McAuley as we were in having her. She has traveled all over the world in her work and people always recognize the name Mother McAuley. She was interested in finding out if we could live up to our reputation as a leading all-girls school. After meeting with our student leaders, she was convinced. Dr. Deak is a strong proponent of only stating proven facts and not opinion. She claims that our students reinforced the research that she has been studying for the past 30 years and that they hit all the key areas. To the faculty, staff and parents, she explained in detail how research shows that brains are differentiated along gender lines when it comes to learning styles. She also cited research that demonstrates the positive impact of single-gender education for the community and global society. Dr. Deak identified key learning strategies and affirmed our pedagogical approach which gives young women the foundation and tools for success. To find out more about Dr. Deak and her research, please visit deakgroup.com. And to all of our McAuley families – may your hearts and homes be full of divine blessings on this Thanksgiving! Sincerely, Dr. Christine M. Melone President/Principal
NOVEMBER 2010
The 2010 Catherine McAuley Award Winners This year’s recipients of the Catherine McAuley Award are seniors Sarah Menke and Tania Velazquez, and librarian Pat McGreal. Sarah Menke is a caring individual who is always willing to help others. She volunteers her time at the Ronald McDonald House, at the 99th Street Dr. Christne Melone with Summer Theatre and at Most Holy Redeemer Sarah Menke (right) Parish rectory. She is the President of the International Thespian Society, Secretary of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the A Cappella Choir, and a member of the Student Mentors, Student Ambassadors, and the Spanish Honor Society. She has participated in the school musical all four years and hopes to pursue Musical Theatre in college and be able to “sing and dance like Catherine McAuley.” Tania Velazquez is always going above and beyond to help others. Tania volunteers at Rush Hospital, Christ Hospital, Little Company of Mary Hospital, Misericordia and the Courage Program. Her dream is to be a doctor someday. She has also served as a coach and mentor for students through the National Hispanic Institute as well as participating in their Young Leaders Conference. At McAuley, Tania is in the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Action Reaction, Unity, and Primary Colors. She is a Student Ambassador Leader and a Student Mentor. Pat McGreal has been Mother McAuley’s Library Director since 1988. Her tender and wise ways have helped thousands of young women. She graciously shares her talents and gifts with Pat McGreal and Tania Velazquez the McAuley community selflessly. She is a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts, volunteers with the American Red Cross, and is a history buff who has participated in American Revolution Reenactments for 34 years. Each year, the McAuley community is invited to nominate a senior and a faculty/staff member to receive the Catherine McAuley Award. This coveted award epitomizes the mission of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and honors its namesake, Catherine McAuley. The award is presented at the annual Mercy Day celebration at the end of September. This special celebration includes an assembly, a remembrance gift, and the retelling of the story of Catherine McAuley and her legacy today.
Five Seniors Receive National Recognition Dr. Christine Melone is pleased to announce that senior Simone Bonaparte has been named a Semifinalist in both the National Merit Scholarship Program as well as the National Achievement Scholarship Program.
in both the National Merit Program and the National Achievement Program.
Additionally, seniors Lauren Barr, Lisa Burns, and Margaret M. Kelly have been named Commended As a National Merit Semifinalist, Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Simone now has the opportunity The Commended Students are among 34,000 high school seniors nationwide who have been recognized to continue in the competition for placing in the top five percent of the 1.5 million for approximately 8,400 merit scholarship awards. To become students who enter the competition. Lauren, Lisa and Margaret will receive a Letter of Commendation from a Finalist, a Semifinalist must Mother McAuley and the National Merit Scholarship have an outstanding academic Corporation. Commended Students do not continue record throughout high school, in the competition for National Merit Scholarships, be endorsed and recommended but may qualify for special scholarships sponsored by by the school principal, and Simone Bonaparte corporations and businesses. earn SAT scores that confirm the students’ earlier qualifying test performance. Semifinalists must also complete an application which includes a self-descriptive essay and information about the applicant’s participation and leadership in school and community activities. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. There are approximately 275,000 distinguished young people who have earned the Merit Scholar title since its inception.
We are very proud of Simone, Ana, Lauren, Lisa and Margaret for their tremendous accomplishments and commend them for their hard work. They are all very deserving of this recognition and we offer our heartfelt congratulations. - Dr. Melone The National Achievement Scholarship Program is an academic competition established in 1964 to provide recognition for outstanding Black American high school students. Black students may enter both the National Achievement Program and the National Merit® Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT). The two annual programs are conducted concurrently but operated and funded separately. A student’s standing is determined independently in each program. Black American students can qualify for recognition and be honored as Scholars www.mothermcauley.org
Maggie M. Kelly, Lauren Barr and Lisa Burns
Senior Ana Vazquez has been chosen as a 2010-11 Scholar in the National Hispanic Recognition Program for Excellence in Academic Achievement (NHRP) sponsored by The College Board. The NHRP was initiated in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students. This year, the NHRP is recognizing nearly 5,000 students selected from a pool of over 200,000 students who took the 2009 PSAT/ NMSQT/PAA and identified themselves as Hispanic/Latino. Students with GPAs of 3.5 or higher are designated as Ana Vazquez Scholars. November 2010 Community Update – 2
Fundraising Boot Camp
Dr. Deak Visit
Sophomore Christine Schmidt and junior Eileen O’Donnell had the unique opportunity of attending a fundraising boot camp sponsored by DoSomething. org, a New York-based nonprofit that helps motivate and support young people who are interested in volunteering, organizing and Eileen O’Donnell (left) and fundraising.
On November 4, renowned author and psychologist expert Dr. JoAnn Deak visited Mother McAuley and met with student representatives, faculty, and parents. She spoke on the benefits of single-gender education and the differences in learning styles.
Christine Schmidt
The free workshop consists of sessions ranging from fundraising and publicity to public speaking. At the end of the day attendees had the chance to participate in Speed Pitch, where they present their ideas, in rapid-fire succession, to professionals from the nonprofit, educational and finance sectors in hopes of winning one of three $500 awards. Christine pitched the McAuley EcoMacs Project that she and Eileen were a part of last year. The EcoMacs built a solar-powered biodiesel processor project to donate to a school in Pichon, Haiti. Each pitch was allotted two minutes, followed by a two-minute appraisal from the professionals. The 25 boot camp presenters pitched to 24 professionals (Speed Catchers) as well as 15,000 webcast viewers. Through the webcast, viewers were able to ask questions and were invited to rank the pitches. The Speed Catchers were asked to rate each presentation and the webcast viewers were asked to vote for the most impressive presentations.
During her session with the students, she asked them to select one quality about teachers, mothers and fathers that they would like to change and one quality they wished all of them could possess. Dr. Deak was quite impressed with their responses and emphasized that their answers corresponded with all of her research. During her meeting with faculty and staff, Dr. Deak stressed that even the ideal classroom environment for boys and girls is different. For instance, girls have slightly better acuity and are more sensitive to noise; girls read faces better so learning is heightened when they can see the teachers face; and that if a female student feels a connection to a teacher, she will have a positive classroom experience. Dr. Deak also stated that a teacher’s goal should be to make their students’ brain grow. In an all-girl environment, teachers are able to focus on the areas of the brain that most benefit female learning styles. To the parents, she explained in detail the difference in male and female brains and how they relate to learning. The differences include the size of the brain, hormonal influences, growth and development timelines, and the ‘chemical’ system and stress.
Christine received the most votes among the webcast viewers securing one of the three $500 awards.
Math News McAuley’s Math Team competed in the first Catholic Math League South Contest on October 16. Congratulations to the Freshmen/Sophomore Relay Team which finished first, the Geometry Team which finished third, the Oralist who placed second and the Junior/Senior Relay Team which placed third. High written contest scores went to freshmen Elizabeth Nye in Algebra I, sophomores Danielle Michalik and Casey Rowe in Geometry, junior Christina Lopez in Algebra II and senior Gabriela Perea. www.mothermcauley.org
Dr. Deak (center) met with student leaders during her visit to Mother McAuley. The students were Elizabeth McCarthy, Gretchen Maty, Caitlin Ori, Tatiana Ingram, Lizzy Scanlon, Clare Nawrocki , Katherine Kezon, Bola Adeyemo, Dominique Aramburu, Mary Kate Carroll, Margaret Hurley and Bridget Kobernicki.
November 2010 Community Update – 3
Art News Oak Lawn Art Exhibition Six McAuley students had work on display at the Oak Lawn Park District Visual Art Competition and Exhibition. The students were seniors Julia Martin, Sara Sabadosa, Daniela Chacon, Jean Marie Tucker, Lee Kintner and junior Katie Geary.
Junior High Art Workshop The Art Department sponsored a Junior High School Art Workshop (above) on October 20th. Eighty grade school students participated in 7 different workshops which included: ceramics, digital imaging, drawing, painting, photography, portrait drawing, and sculpture.
Lee Kintner won first place for her piece titled, “Optimism.” Sara Sabadosa was awarded honorable mention for her piece titled, “Farm Kitty,” and Julia Martin was awarded honorable mention for her piece titled, “Aborininal.”
Window Art At McAuley’s first Open House, Mrs. Harper and six NAHS members painted the Dining Hall windows for the Mother’s Club Vendor’s Fair. Each year the windows take on a different theme. This year’s theme was “A Hawaiian Christmas.” Lee Kintner (left) and Sara Sabadosa
Pumpkin Fundraiser The National Art Honor Society had their annual pumpkin sale on October 15th. This year, NAHS students also baked spooky cupcakes. All proceeds will be donated to buy Christmas gifts for the retired Sisters in Mercy Hall. Architecture Critic On October 28th, AP Studio Art students Lee Kintner and Sara Sabadosa went to Saint Xavier University to hear Chicago Tribune architecture critic, Blair Kamin, discuss Terror and Wonder: Architecture in a Tumultuous Age. Lee and Sara also had the opportunity to tour the new Saint Xavier Visual Art Center. SOFA Show AP Studio Art and Studio Art students went on a field trip to Navy Pier on November 5th to see the SOFA Show. SOFA which stands for Sculpture Objects and Functional Art, is an annual event in Chicago. Students not only viewed a multitude of art, but experienced art dealers within gallery settings from many disciplines showcasing fine and decorative arts. www.mothermcauley.org
Poster Contest Senior Cadence Marth entered a poster in the World Aids Day 2010 Poster Contest sponsored by The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. This year’s theme is “HIV: It’s About You and Me!”
Illinois Innovative Talent Program The Illinois Innovation Talent Program from STEM has funded a new project at Mother McAuley that involves the Environmental Science, Studio Art, and Creative Writing students. This $5,000 award allows Environmental Science students to learn about renewable energy and share that information with the Studio Art and Creative Writing students. Those students will then express their new-found knowledge of renewable energy in some type of art media and poetry. The artwork will then be compiled into a calendar for distribution. The students will be teamed with professionals in the field to guide them through the project.
November 2010 Community Update – 4
International Manufacturing Field Trip
EcoMacs
The physical science classes recently attended the International Manufacturing Trade Show (IMTS) at McCormick Place. The students learned about technological advances in the workplace, and scientific careers. Kelly Hayes, Mary Glavas and Marie Maciejko were chosen to compete in the robot demonstration. The students were able to control robots in a head-to-head competition with students from Naperville North High School.
Members of the EcoMacs Club have been volunteering to clean up area forest preserves. Projects include removing buckthorn and honeysuckle, two invasive plant species that are crowding out the oak trees, and helping with a controlled burn. The stewards from the forest preserve commented that the EcoMacs were the hardest working school group they had ever had helping him
Kelly Hayes (right) and Mary Glavas (left) in a tag team competition to move upside down bowls around the arena.
Red Ribbon Week McAuley’s chapter of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the Counseling Department held several activities to mark this year’s celebration of Red Ribbon Week. Kicking-off the week was a guest speaker from the Illinois Judges Association. Cook County Judge Laurence Dunford presented, “7 Reasons to Leave the Party,” an informative and powerful presentation on the dangers of drinking and driving. Primary Colors and SADD joined together and made pledge bracelets for Red Ribbon Week. The bracelets were sold during lunch hours and students signed a pledge to be drug free. The pledge badges were then displayed on the SADD bulletin board. Together both clubs raised $100 that will be donated to Harmony, Hope and Healing.
The McAuley EcoMacs
Fall Festival McAuley’s National Honor Society hosted a Country themed Fall Festival which included a performance by the Misericordia Heartbreakers, an afterschool party and a dress down day. The Fall Festival is an annual fundraiser sponsored by NHS with all proceeds benefitting Misericordia, an organization that provides a safe living community for the mentally disabled. This year the event raised more than $3,000.
NHS Officers at the Fall Festival
Crop Walk Nearly 100 Members of the Action Reaction Club attended the 28th Annual Crop Walk to help end hunger. Every year the Walk raises about $16 million dollars for this worthy cause.
www.mothermcauley.org
November 2010 Community Update – 5
Mentoring Program
New Student Clubs
The McAuley Mentoring Program was developed as a way of helping freshmen adjust to high school and feel comfortable at McAuley. Juniors and seniors serve as mentors to a small group of two or three freshmen. The upperclassmen were required to apply to be a mentor and needed to posses certain leadership qualities. The mentors meet with the freshmen once a month during an extended homeroom schedule. During the most recent meeting in October, the student groups created “Chains of Diversity.” On these colorful paper chains are written the similarities and difference among our school community. The “Chains of Diversity” are on display in the main hallway and offices throughout the school.
This year McAuley has four new service and interest clubs for students: the Engineering Club, Prevention of Animal Cruelty, Respect Life, and the Tightly Knit Community Club. Each of these clubs provide students with opportunities to further explore the club’s theme and meet other students who are interested as well. For instance, the Engineering Club is building an energy efficient bicycle and plans to enter the Illinois Institute of Technology Bridge Competition.
Bike Drive
McAuley and Brother Rice Unite for Mass The administration from Mother McAuley and Brother Rice High Schools have been working to develop collaborative events for the two schools. One area of focus for this collaboration is prayer and worship. On October 25, the schools brought together the freshmen classes for a Mass in the McAuley Auditorium. This was the first ever combined Mass between the schools which incorporated the spirit of both Edmund Rice and Catherine McAuley.
Appalachian Music
A group of caring students led by senior Erica Frost (above) and helped by Service Coordinator Molly Meade-McGowan, organized McAuley’s first Bike Drive. Nearly 200 bikes were collected and donated to Working Bikes Cooperative. The donated bikes will be shipped to families in poor countries where a bike is often the difference between employment and unemployment.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Mother McAuley welcomed military alumnae and their families to their annual Veterans Day Color Guard and Flag Raising Ceremony. Guests included the Army Private Jessica Barrios ’05 and her family. During the ceremony, McAuley junior Ana Vazquez of Burbank played Taps and the McAuley Choir sang the national anthem. The flag ceremony was performed by retired US Naval Lieutenant Commander Scott Allen and the Palos Heights Veteran’s Group. www.mothermcauley.org
Theology faculty member Art Sheridan welcomed musicians Jeni Hankins and Billy Kemp to Mother McAuley to perform for the students. Jeni and Billy are folk musicians who perform traditional Appalachian music. Jeni was raised in the heart of coal mining country and their music reflects the way of life and traditions of these hard working people. Each of their songs tells a story and draws the audience into the lives of the miners, their families and the “little community on the Ridge.”
Tennis Awards Mother McAuley Athletic Department is proud to announce that all 16 members of McAuley Varsity Tennis Team were named to the GCAC Academic All-Conference Team and received the IHSA Team Academic Achievement Award. Both rankings are based on grade point average. November 2010 Community Update – 6
Mothers Club News
Fathers Club News
Special thanks to Linda Garcia Streit, Gina Bangs, and Sherrye Dunmore who helped serve refreshments at the Open House on November 7. Heartfelt thanks to Tina Brettman and Laura Brennan who spent countless hours planning a very successful “Ladies Night Out” Vendor Fair. To all the mothers who volunteered that evening, “thank you,” we could not have done it without your help.
Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, November 20 The “Soon to be Famous” Spaghetti Dinner on November 20 will be from 5 to 8 p.m. in the McAuley Dining Hall. Dinner is $7 for adults, $5 for students 17 and under, and includes spaghetti, meatballs and garlic bread. Join us for a delicious dinner and then attend the All-School Musical, “The Sound of Music.”
Mark your calendars: Don’t miss our famous Christmas Party on December 2. Graduation Dress Resale: If you or your daughter has a graduation or prom dress they are interested in selling or donating to our Dress Resale, contact Julia O’Brien at 708-557-2868, juliaobrienzwa@comcast.net or Michelle Patton at 708-508-0579 lahinch@comcast.net. The sale will be held on Saturday, January 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McAuley. The 2010-2011 Mothers Club officers are President Mary McGarry, Vice President Barb Zwickl, Treasurer Virginia McGann, Recording Secretary Mary Jo Schoper and Corresponding Secretary Julia O’Brien.
Save the Dates: January 16 - Father/Daughter Mass, January 30 - Father/Daughter Bowling Fathers Club meetings: Please join us for the next meeting on Monday, December 6, at 7 p.m. Refreshments are always served. The 2010-2011 Fathers Club officers are President Mike Filippone, Vice President John Frieson, Treasurer Chris Parker, Recording Secretary Joe Majewski, Membership Secretary Lew Lake, President Liaison Marty McGarry.
Mother McAuley will be hosting an Open House and a Girls Night Out for 7th and 8th grade girls interested in a Lifetime Advantage. Please tell your friends and family about these two important events.
www.mothermcauley.org
November 2010 Community Update – 7
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS November 18-21 ....All School Show ................................“The Sound of Music” November 20..........Alumnae Night at ................................“The Sound of Music” November 20..........Fathers Club Spaghetti Dinner November 23..........Dismissal at 1:40 November 24-28 ....Thanksgiving Break November 30..........Open House, 6 to 8:30 p.m. December 1 ............Late Start December 2 ............Mothers Club Meeting ................................(Christmas Party) ................................ December 3 ............Fathers Club Wreath ................................Pick-up, 3-5 p.m. ................................Senior Dance December 6 ............Fathers Club Meeting, 7 p.m. December 8 ............Immaculate Conception Mass December 10 ..........Girls Night Out, 6-9 p.m. December 12 ..........Christmas Choral ................................Concert December 14 ..........Instrumental ................................Christmas Concert December 17 ..........Christmas Prayer Service, ................................Noon Dismissal December 20-21 .....Semester Exams December 22 ..........Christmas Break begins January 5 ................Faculty/Staff In-service January 6 ................Classes Resume ................................Mothers Club Meeting, 7 p.m. January 8 ................Incoming Freshman ................................Entrance Exam January 14 ..............Jr. Ring Ceremony and Dance January 15 ..............Graduation Dress Resale January 16 ..............Father/Daughter Mass January 17 ..............MLK Jr. Holiday - No Classes
Memorial Prayer Card Program The Sisters of Mercy offer the McAuley community two beautiful memorial cards to honor loved ones. They can be used as memorial cards, healing cards or for special intentions. All those being honored are remembered in a special monthly mass offered in Mercy Chapel and in the daily prayers of the Sisters of Mercy. Two sizes are available, either an 8x10 with a suggested donation of $20 or a 4x6 with a suggested donation of $10. Donations help support McAuley’s endowment for student financial aid. To request a Mass Card, please contact JoAnn Altenbach in the Development Office at jaltenbach@ mothermcauley.org, by calling 773-881-6559 or pick them up in the Main Office.
The Development Update As the holidays roll around, many families are looking for ways to give back to the organizations that mean so much to them. Below are a few simple ways you can support Mother McAuley during the season of giving: 1. Make a gift to the 2010-2011 Annual Fund. Each family recently received an invitation to help further the mission of Mercy education in Chicago. Our goal is to have as many parents participate by making a donation. 2. Register your Target Visa or Target Credit Card with the Take Charge of Education Program. Mother McAuley will receive a percentage from each purchase you make at Target. To register your card, visit www.target.com/tceo, or call 1-800-316-6142 to designate our school. 3. Pick a leaf from our Giving Tree. Academic departments and school programs have filled the tree with specific needs. You can help by picking a “leaf” and providing a donation for the item selected. For a list of items visit www. mothermcauley.org. 4. Honor your daughter(s) with a commemorative brick in Catherine’s Garden. Ordering information is available on McAuley’s website. Proceeds from this program benefit student tuition assistance, the Learning Resource Program and faculty pensions. For more information, please contact Director of Development Tom Geraghty at tgeraghty@mothermcauley.org or 773-881-6557. November 2010 Community Update – 8