Time truly does pass quickly. I can say without

reservation that my first year as President of

Archbishop Ryan has been the most fulfilling

and rewarding of my career. As proud and

excited as I was to receive my appointment I am

even more thrilled to be your President today.

Inside these walls is something very special –

something of lasting value. The school’s

leadership as always been steadfast in our

mission and in our Catholic identity. The

opportunities for faith based personal growth,

community engagement, lessons in leadership,

athletic competition and extra-curricular

activities provide an experience that is truly

second to none. Archbishop Ryan High School

faculty and administrators remain committed to

academic excellence and challenging students to

strive for their greatest potential .

One of my biggest assets during my first year,

was having Mr. Jim Meredith leading our efforts

to educate our students in body, mind, and spirit.

He had a clear vision and unique talent for

educating and empowering each and every

student and ingraining in them the leadership

qualities to prepare them to be saints for this life

and the next. Mr. Meredith's leadership and

commitment to excellence made us all want to

be better and do better in our professional and

personal roles. He changed us forever and on

July 1 he was appointed principal of Pope John

Paul II where he will do the same. His biggest

legacy was the mentoring of Mr. Joe McFadden

'97, Assistant Principal of Academic Affairs,

who was appointed principal of Ryan on July

13.

Together we are committed to securing Ryan's

position as a premier center of secondary

education in Philadelphia. Know that at

Archbishop Ryan students experience a deep

sense of community while receiving an

education that will serve as a foundation for a

life that is productive, rewarding, and socially

responsible. Students join us at a critical time in

their lifelong journey of awareness and faith.

We take tremendous responsibility for

increasing their knowledge, enriching their faith

and helping them become the next generation of

leaders in a world that cries out for leadership.

Students who enroll at Ryan and firmly commit

to avail themselves of as much as they can of

what we have to offer will leave us after four

years with a joy and a foundation for the future

The Class of 2015 P.1

Principal’s Perspective P.2

Non-Profit Solutions P.3

Trends & New Software P.4

From the Office of the President Calculators

Archbishop Ryan students are

expected to have a TI-84 graphing

calculator for their Math class. The

TI-84 can be purchased at any

store. Look for sales and rebates as

the summer progresses.

Please save the UPC seal (bar code)

and send it to Miss Gradel (Math

Department Chair) in September.

The school can use the seals to get

additional Texas Instruments

resources for your child’s Math

class. Thank you for your

cooperation in this matter. Summer Reading

Summer Reading can be found on the

school website under the Academics tab

or by clicking here. Students are to

read one book from the list and

complete the assignment through the

Google Form.

Summer reading:

helps students avoid the summer slide

sharpens literacy skills

increases vocabulary acquisition

opens new worlds

fosters a lifelong love of reading

The Principal’s Perspective Mr. Joseph McFadden ‘97

What an exciting winter it has been here at Archbishop Ryan. As our second quarter ended, we celebrated 426 students who earned first or second honors, we cheered along as our boys’ basketball

team played at the Palestra, as our girls swam their way into the District Championship, as our hockey team skated away with the PCL Championship, and as numerous wrestlers and track stars won

individual medals and competed at the state level, we clapped along as our music students participated in All-Catholic events, and we prayed for our seniors as they grew in their faith during our

Kairos retreats. What a school and what a season! This month’s newsletter is once again full of information from all

areas of the school. You will find information on the new school uniform for next year’s grades 9 and 11. It is being phased in so there is not a financial burden placed on families who just

purchased uniforms. There is also information on the upcoming proms and also on Course Selection for the next school year. Hard to believe it is that time already.

As always, we are here for you and your children. If we can help in anyway, please let us know.

Happy Easter!

Important Dates

Thursday, March 10 World Language Induction Ceremony Friday, March 11 Freshman/Sophomore Dance Saturday, March 12 Easter Bunny Breakfast sponsored by the Field Hockey Team (flyer on the last page) Friday, March 18 Third Quarter Progress Reports Sent Home AR Student Paint Night Wednesday, March 23 Easter Break begins at 12:29 Sunday, March 27 Happy Easter Tuesday, March 29 Classes Resume Thursday, March 31 Sophomore Retreat No Classes – Grades 9-11-12 Friday, April 1 Junior Dance Saturday, April 2 Entrance Placement Test Thursday, April 7

cAReer Day

Friday, April 8 Mother/Son Dance Thursday, April 28 Junior Ring Mass St. Ephrem Church 7:00PM

The Messenger A monthly newsletter for the families of

Archbishop Ryan High School

11201 Academy Road

Philadelphia, PA 19154

March 2016

Are you receiving phone

calls from the school?

Make sure you stay up to

date with all the news and

schedule updates.

To add your phone number,

contact Marie Mastalski at

215-637-1800, ext. 269 in the

President’s Office.

School Uniform Changes Mr. Joseph McFadden ‘97 In the summer of 2013, Archbishop Ryan began an effort in rebranding, ensuring our logo, slogan, and colors were used most effectively to represent the school. Our AR logo is

immediately recognizable to our community and beyond, as are our school colors. Our uniform, however, did not make strong use of our idea of branding. As an administration, we began meeting earlier in the school year with representatives from Flynn and O’Hara to discuss this and

ideas and proposals have been presented. Faculty and students have had the opportunity to provide feedback on some of the options presented. The new uniform is the culmination of that

feedback. On the next three pages, you will find photo samples of the new uniform required for next year’s

grades 9 and 11. The black skort will likely include a pocket. We believe the impression this new uniform makes is the best representation of our brand, our logos, and our colors. Our current

freshmen and juniors will still be able to wear their uniform from this year, provided it is in good condition and fits appropriately. If a student wishes to wear the new uniform, they are of course

allowed. What students cannot do is mix and match the new with the old. For example, a senior could not wear the new cardigan with the grey skort or grey pants.

Next year, the summer uniform will require all students to be in a golf shirt. For grades 9 and 11, it will be the red golf shirt. For grades 10 and 12, they can wear their white golf shirt but do

have the option of wearing the red one provided they switch to the black pants or black short. In the winter, all girls will be required to wear black tights but in the summertime, they will have

the option of tights or knee socks. The length of the skort, required to be no more than two inches above the knee, will be strictly enforced and a student will not be allowed to

attend school or classes if in violation. We are still finalizing the options for footwear and will inform you when a final decision has been

reached.

Middle States Parent Survey

Please see the letter below from our Middle States Coordinators and complete the survey found here. Thank you for taking the time to allow us to always improve.

Scholars of the Month

October – Summer Lam ‘19 November – Bridget Cassidy ‘17

December – Sean Gaffney ‘16 January - Nicholas DiBello ‘17

From the Office of the President Mrs. Denise LePera

Looking back over the past 19 months, it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve as

President of Archbishop Ryan. Have there been challenges? Yes. But the rewards have been far greater. With a focus upon managing for growth, fostering leadership and inspiring innovation, my goal has been simple. Along with our dedicated administration, faculty and staff,

to execute the mission and implement the vision to position Archbishop Ryan High School as a premier center of secondary Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Our

collaborative and joint commitment to educating the mind, body and spirit in combination with an unparalleled dedication to academic excellence and a strategic purpose of advancing the

mission of Archbishop Ryan High School runs through everything we do. We will continue to ensure that our students enter as young boys and girls and are transformed into men and women who will remain life-long learners as they take their place as tomorrow’s leaders. My goal

is to turn challenges into successes and to help lead this school toward the achievement of great things.

As I mentioned in the January newsletter, we are challenging ourselves to ensure that every interaction and every decision meets one or more of the following virtues: Enthusiasm,

Excellence, Innovation, Collaboration, Respect, and Integrity. Focusing on collaboration, I am thrilled to announce that on April 7th, Archbishop Ryan will hold its Career Day. We are

committed to having a very effective and impactful student-centered event. I am honored that the President of the Greater Philadelphia Northeast Chamber of Commerce, Pamela Henshall, accepted my invitation to be the keynote speaker. If you are interested in presenting this day,

please complete this form and someone will be in contact.

Who can believe next year will be our 50th educating young men and women! In March, the 50th Anniversary Committee will meet to begin the planning to celebrate our successes and history. Our 50th anniversary logo will be unveiled in July. It promises to be a very exciting

year!

Tuition and School Fee Update

The official notice for tuition and school fee

for the 2016 – 2017 academic year is posted on the Archbishop Ryan website. I thank the

Finance Committee of the board for the work they did on the budget to keep the total

increase to under 5%! They worked diligently to develop strategies to minimize the increase. One of those strategies

involves effective fundraisers through the Alumni and Development Office as well as

the Student Affairs office. These events help sustain our initiatives – so the more successful they are, the more funding to

support our efforts.

Website Update As a reminder, daily announcements can be found on our website under the Parent tab. They are updated each day by 10 am. Also, any form that needs to be completed is also under the

Parent tab under Documents and Forms. Upcoming Events

Taste of Philly ~ April 16 ~ 7 pm – 12 am

32nd Annual Archbishop Ryan Alumni Golf Invitational ~ April 18 ~ 12:15 shotgun start

This year's event will be held at The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. This is not a

newly upgraded Frankford-Torresdale Club. The Union League completed $15 million in

renovations, and they limit the number of outings to 30 a year. It is a Donald Ross

course. For more information on how to sponsor or purchase a foursome, click here.

Spirit of Ryan ~ May 1 ~ 9:30 am

Spring Coach Bingo ~ May 20 ~ 7 pm – 10 pm

From the School Minister Father Richard Smith

The Holy Season of Lent This special season is set aside for us to take stock of our relationship with Christ, and to hear

again his invitation to “turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel” (Mk 1, 15).

On Ash Wednesday, we received the Sign of the Cross on our foreheads in ashes, reminding us

that we were first signed with the Cross at our Baptism. By prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we

strive throughout these forty days to be renewed and to be more faithful to our Baptismal

promises. We also pray in a special way with those preparing to receive the sacraments at the

Easter Vigil.

Our whole lives—and everything we do as a school community—are

founded on the new life that Jesus Christ won for us in his

Resurrection. Christ our Light leads us from the darkness of sin and

death, along the Way of the Cross, to the Road to Emmaus where

we recognize the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread. Lent is a

chance for us to re-commit ourselves to following the road that

Jesus has marked out for us, as individuals and as a community.

Various opportunities for prayer, fasting and almsgiving have been

made available to our students this Lent. From daily Mass to lunch

time prayer services to a whole host of service initiatives, the pillars

of Lent can be found within our community.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

At this time of year, we remember and celebrate that Jesus willingly accepted death on the cross

so that forgiveness of sin and new life would be possible for all people. Throughout the ages,

many people have experienced the love of Jesus who has forgiven and brought them back after

they sinned or strayed away.

On March 16 and 17 we will celebrate our Lenten Penance Services here in school. All in the

Ryan community will be afforded the opportunity to be reconciled with God. Just as I will

encourage our students to celebrate the sacrament, I highly recommend that everyone make a

good confession before Easter. In the sacrament of Reconciliation, Jesus is truly present

forgiving, healing, restoring, and bringing back to life whatever has been adversely affected by

sin.

Christian Service Program – Grade 11 All students in grade 11 are required to complete 20 hours of Christian service by March 11. Students have received a packet of information pertaining to the program. By March 11 each

junior student should have submitted to his or her Theology teacher the completed verification forms and the reflection questions.

As was stated on the Christian Service information packet: “Failure to complete the minimum amount of service hours, not turning in the Service Hours Verification Form(s), or not submitting

the reflection questions will result in failure for the third quarter report card and prevent participation in the Junior Dance (Prom).”

From the Office of Academic Affairs Mrs. Nancy Kurtz ‘88

This month we continue planning for your child’s next academic year. Our Course Selection process

has already begun. Our juniors had their assembly on Wednesday, February 24 while the sophomores and freshmen had their assembly on

Thursday, February 25. At these assemblies, members of the Academic Board presented specific

departmental offerings to the student body. The actual process of choosing classes began on

Wednesday, March 2 at 3 PM. Students are to access GradeConnect, choose their courses, and

print out the paper, have it signed, and return it to the Office of Academic Affairs.

The taking of seven majors is not recommended for most students and requests for seven majors must be made on a separate form available in the Academic Affairs Office. Lunch periods

will be used for labs. The selection of courses is a responsibility that requires time, patience and careful consideration.

It is important that the course selection process be made with input from those qualified to assist with it. Involvement of the following individuals will help ensure an appropriate selection

of courses:

The Student must evaluate honestly personal abilities and potential, aptitudes and

achievements, needs and interests. Parents should engage the student in a frank discussion on the previous considerations in

order to reach a collective decision that will best serve the child's educational welfare. Teachers, past and present, are good sources of advice since they have witnessed

firsthand the scholastic performance of the student. Teachers of courses being considered

know the academic demands of these courses and the level of performance expected of the student.

Guidance Counselors are well informed about the general college and career requirements necessary to attain specific goals.

All of us here at Archbishop Ryan are ready and willing to assist your child with the course selection process.

Now for more news about next year. As our school has examined our

tracking system, we realized that it did not fit the academic rigor that is represented in all of our classes. Each student who attends Archbishop Ryan is expected to grow spiritually and

intellectually. We help our students in this process through the carefully planned academic programs we have developed.

The new level system that we will be instituting better represents that which is already taking place in our school. We have created an

academically challenging four year program that meets students where they are and helps them to become all they can be. The

description of the levels is below. Over the next number of months I will be working with the teachers to evaluate each students' current

level and ensure that they take the level of course that is appropriate for them. The Academic Level (AL) may not be available in all departments or courses. If you have concerns or

questions about how your child is currently doing in a course and are wondering how it may impact next year, I encourage you to contact their teacher. Also, you may contact the Academic

Affairs Office if you would like more information.

Advanced Placement (AP)

o AP refers to courses that utilize the course of study developed by the Advanced

Placement Program of the College Board. All students registered in an AP level

course are required to take the AP exam in May.

Honors Level (HL)

o Honors refers to college preparatory courses for students of high or exceptional

level ability and industry. Admission to this program is based upon past academic

achievement in the subject area, teacher recommendation, and department

chairperson approval.

College Prep Level (CPL)

o College Prep refers to college preparatory courses for students of above average

ability.

Academic Level (AL)

o Academic refers to college preparatory and skills based courses for students of

average ability.

It is a pleasure to work with you in helping your child become a strong, happy, successful,

ethical adult. We are grateful that you entrust your children to us and understand the partnership we have with you in their development.

From the Office of Student Services Mr. Charles Panepresso ‘79

The winter season will soon be behind us. The announcement of the return to the spring uniform will be made sometime after Easter around the beginning of April. I ask that you continue to be

diligent in monitoring your child when they leave the home wearing the appropriate school uniform. Easter is early this year and our daylight saving time begins at 2 AM on Sunday, March 13, 2016. I have made it one of my priorities this year to enforce the policy on lateness

for school. I thank you for your cooperation in having your children here each day before the 7:40 AM start.

Late detentions are held each Thursday at 2:30 PM for one half hour in the north cafeteria. General detention is held each Friday at 6:50 AM in the north lecture hall for accumulated

demerits. Students are required to check the detention list posted in the cafeteria the day before the detention is held.

Finally, the dance season is upon us. The freshman / sophomore dance will be held on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the school. The junior dance is Friday, April 1 and the senior prom is the first

Friday in May. Attendance at school dances is a privilege, not a right. Students with accumulated demerits and/or attendance issues may be held from the dance. The school policy

regarding both appropriate behavior at the dance and the dress code will be enforced. Please consult the student handbook and the dance permission form for further information regarding appropriate conduct at the dance. You are welcome to contact my office with any questions or

concerns.

I thank you for entrusting the well-being of your child to our care. Please know the safety and security of your child is a foremost consideration along with our efforts in providing a faith based and meaningful learning environment.

May the remainder of this Lenten season renew your faith. Have a Blessed Easter.

From the Office of Student Affairs Mrs. Kathryn Schafer ‘72

Junior Dance The Junior Dance will be held on Friday, April 1, 2016 from 8:00pm-11:30pm at Falls Manor

Caterers, 4010 New Falls Rd, Bristol, PA 19007, (215) 943-7070.

In order for a junior to be able to purchase a dance ticket (March 8 through March 18) the junior student

must be free from ALL outstanding financial obligations

must be in good conduct standing

must have completed all required Service Hours by March 11, 2016

must have on file in Student Affairs the Junior Dance Informational paper signed by

parents or guardians.

Junior Dance tickets ($120.00 a couple and includes a picture package of 2 5X7’s and 4 wallets) must be paid for at the Tuition Office. After payment has been made, junior students will bring the dance payment receipt from the Tuition Office to the Office for Student Affairs for seating.

Tickets will be distributed Friday, April 1st in homeroom.

Archbishop Ryan junior students and their guest must have the approval of his/her school’s

Dean of Students and must adhere to Archbishop Ryan’s school policies. Students who have been dismissed or transferred from Archbishop Ryan High School because of violations of the discipline code or the drug and alcohol policy are NOT permitted to attend.

Expectations for School-Sponsored Junior Dance

In order for a junior to attend the Junior Dance, he/she MUST be in attendance at school the day of the dance.

Plan appointments accordingly - There will NOT be any “Junior Dance related” early

dismissals prior to that day’s designated dismissal time – dismissal will be at 1:29pm – D Schedule.

Each junior student MUST have his/her own printed ticket with student information label to enter the dance. **There are NO refunds for Junior Dance tickets.

Class of 2017 – Senior Portraits Senior Portraits are scheduled to be taken in school beginning April 11 through April 25. Junior

students will receive a postcard from Lifetouch Studios with appointment times. It is very important that students adhere to their appointment times.

Junior Ring Mass All students and their families from the Class of 2017 are invited to the Ring Mass on Thursday,

April 28 at 7:00 PM. This year the Mass will take place at St. Ephrem’s Church in Bensalem, PA. More information will be given to students in early April.

Senior Prom Friday, May 6, 2016, 8:00pm to 12:00am at Adventure Aquarium, 1 Riverside Dr, Camden, NJ

08103. In order for a senior student to be able to purchase a prom ticket (April 4 through April 22) the senior student:

must be free from ALL outstanding financial obligations

must be in good conduct standing

must have on file in Student Affairs the Dance/Senior Prom Informational paper signed by

parents or guardians .

Senior prom tickets ($195.00 a couple and includes a picture package of 2 5X7’s and 4 wallets)

must be paid for at the Tuition Office. Parents’ Association

Yankee Candle Spring Fundraiser is underway. Your support is appreciated!

Archbishop Ryan’s Theater Department is excited to announce…..

as our Spring production.

Show dates and times are as follows: Friday, April 22 @7:30pm Saturday, April 23 @7:30pm Sunday, April 24 @1:00pm

Friday, April 29 @ 7:30pm Saturday, April 30 @7:30pm Sunday, May 1 @1:00pm

Check Us Out

Ryan Review http://archbishopryanreview.com/

From the Guidance Office Mr. Jerome O’Connell

Mrs. Regina Abernathy Transcripts Apply for transcripts after you applied to a College or University. Students should go to the

tuition office to pay the $3.00 fee for each transcript (If you pay by check and you request more than one transcript at the same time you can use one check). You may pick up a transcript

request form at the guidance office anytime. Bring the completed form and the receipt for the transcript to the guidance office. At this time, there are business size enveloped available in the Guidance Office. Please place your last name above the pre-printed return address.

SAT Dates and Deadlines

2015-2016 SAT Saturday Test Dates

TEST DATES REGISTRATION DEADLINE May 7, 2016 April 8, 2016

June 4, 2016 May 5, 2016

Students are to register for the SAT’s online at CollegeBoard.com.

Deadlines Please be exact with your college deadlines. Allow at least two weeks for the Guidance Office to

process an application. Also, it is courteous to allow at least one week for a teacher to write a letter of recommendation.

NCAA Seniors that plan to play Division 1 or Division 2 sports may register on line for the NCAA

Clearinghouse www.ncaaclearinghouse.org Make sure you request transcripts. You do not have to pay for transcripts sent to NCAA and you do not need an envelope.

Working Papers

Archbishop Ryan is a working paper center. Applications are available online, under Student Life. Complete the form and have a parent sign it and return to Mrs. Wilusz in the Main Office or

Mrs. Fuller in the Academic Affairs Office. You will need evidence of your age. A school ID with your photo is acceptable. There is NO CHARGE for this service.