The Story of Us: What is past is prologue

by Kathleen A. Taylor ’73

Ateam of Ninth Graders and Seniors are gathered together on an early September afternoon for a lively discussion with Sr. Maura as they search to find the history of the Italian Mother Mary that sits behind glass in the corner of the commons. With the initial nuggets of information they have gleaned, they move on to start a deep dive into the Elms archives for more.

Meanwhile, another group made up of Eleventh and Eighth Graders is curious about the life of the late Sr. Evangeline, a talented artist whose sculptures dot the Elms campus. A third team of students has decided they want to understand the history of the ballet studio, how it came to be and the background of the alumna, Suzanne Ames Landry ’49, whose name graces the studio’s walls. And yet another team of girls is already in investigative mode, exploring the Elms history of athletics and determined to uncover the facts (a football team in the late 1930s, really?).

These groups represent the entire student body from Grades Six through Twelve who are a part of an innovative research project propelling 21st century students backwards through the years, beginning with the school’s 1923 formation and leading up to its centennial celebration on October 14, 2023. One of the primary outcomes of their project will be a walking tour of the Elms campus that uses augmented reality to create an historical backdrop at specific points along the way.

This initiative is a powerful example of “project-based learning (PBL).” PBL is an interdisciplinary learning process using hands-on, student-driven and collaborative work. Students learn by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaningful projects.

The first 100 years in the school’s history present the perfect opportunity for Elms students to develop a deeper understanding of the strong connections to the past, not only with today, but with the future. Mathematics teacher Elaine Dria, science teacher Holly Stoneberg and history teachers Walt Jacoby and Adam Anzelc are acting as faculty guides for the project.

As Ms. Dria explained, “I hope the students will learn the roots of our school and some of the reasons behind our traditions, so they can create a lasting living history that others can add to and enjoy either online or in person.”

An exciting aspect of the project is a ground-breaking collaboration with an interdisciplinary team from Kent State University. Over the course of the project, students will be exposed to different technologies and tools and will design and develop digital experiences supporting the Centennial Project. KSU professors Dr. Rick Ferdig and Dr. Enrico Gandolfi, along with graduate students in their capstone program, have already provided a prototype of two historical tour “hotspots” for the Elms teachers to learn and share as an example for the students. One of the major results will be the on-campus augmented walking tour highlighting points of interest and

Dr. Enrico Gandolfi, professor at Kent State University

providing historical context and detail, plus an online map version that can be accessed via the internet. There also will be a rotating digital gallery of notable alumnae to showcase the strong women formed, in part, by their Elms experience.

“Our hope is to see students using technology to embrace and connect to the vision and history of this wonderful school,” said Dr. Gandolfi. “Technology can make students active contributors in their educational ecosystem, and by exploring different innovations, students will become leading actors in celebrating Our Lady of the Elms School and promoting its values and excellence.”

“The Story of Us” project is seeded with a $10,000 grant from the GAR Foundation. GAR’s Consulting Educator Initiative Grants Program Manager Lucille Esposito was enthusiastic about highlighting the connections of the past to the present. “Listening to the stories of all the sacrifices that the Dominican Sisters made 100 years ago to bring quality education to young women, I know those dedicated religious would be so proud of the young women who attend the Elms today,” she said.

While searching for lost alums in preparation for the Centennial Celebration, we came across the following in a Florida newspaper:

Gloria A. Clausen passed away February 7, 1995. Born in Milwaukee, WI, and moved to Florida in 1950, she started her career as a pilot with Tursair Aviation in 1958, and went on to become director at Tursair Fueling thru 1995. She was predeceased by her parents Dewitt and Mary Clausen, brother Peter Clausen. She is survived by her brother Michael, sister, Angela Vitello, and best friend and partner Bill Turso. Services 1 PM Friday at Little Flower Catholic Church.

Imagine – a member of Elms Class of 1947 was a pilot in 1958. Less than 3% of today’s pilots are women!