REPORT FROM THE
PRINCIPAL
The 2015-2016 school year was an exciting and productive year for the faculty, staff and students. Using the Strategic Vision 2015-2020 as our roadmap, our focus on collaboration, leadership, and innovation this year led to many new initiatives and opportunities for our students, including: • Appointment of a Director of the Center for Global Leadership • Appointment of a Director of Academic Technologies • Development of a comprehensive vertically and horizontally articulated curriculum map for all disciplines • Implementation of a flexible rotating student schedule • Introduction of Community Time, an unscheduled daily period designed to facilitate collaboration among faculty and students • Addition of new STEM electives, including Neuroscience, STEM Research, Robotics and Coding and Introduction to Computer Programming • Implementation of Folio, a faculty/staff development and evaluation tool designed to foster collaboration, reflection, and growth • Enhanced service and internship opportunities, including Senior Career Exploration and Junior Service Inquiry. At Notre Dame, we believe that individuals have an inherent responsibility to embrace the ideals of service and stewardship. The 2015-2016 school wide theme of “Water Sustains All Life,” Project STREAM, provided an opportunity for students and teachers to work collaboratively on interdisciplinary projects
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ACADEMY OF NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR I 2015-2016 Annual Report
Jacqueline Coccia through outreach to the community as they studied the grounds of Darby Creek. Activities included flow rate and water quality analysis and music, dance, and art projects designed to raise awareness of water poverty and sustainability. We are honored that this innovative, cross-curricular program was recognized with the 2016 Environmental Community Service Award, presented by Wawa, 6abc, and the environmental law firm Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP (MGKF). We are filled with enthusiasm as we start the 2016-2017 academic year and the implementation of new programs, including the 1:1 MacBook Program for middle school and participation in the Online School for Girls Consortium.
Jacqueline Coccia, MA Principal
