west/northwest catholic schools

Catholic Schools Week2 A+ for America Catholic Schools

Catholic Schools Week is a yearly publication organized by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/The Community Recorder.

Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Hayden c/o The Community Press/394 WardsCorner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail [email protected]. Or call 248-7121.

For advertising call 687-4614.

Welcome letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

St. John the Baptist . . . . . . . . . 4

St. Dominic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Volunteers aid St. Boniface . . 7

St. Aloysius on the Ohio . . . . . 8

Seton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Roger Bacon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

St. James . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Mercy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

La Salle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Our Lady of Lourdes . . . . . . . 14

St. Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Mount Notre Dame . . . . . . . . 17

St. Aloysius Gonzaga . . . . . . 18

John Paul II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Our Lady of Victory . . . . . . . . 20

St. Al’s in Bridgetown . . . . . . 21

St. Ignatius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

McAuley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

New science lab at St. James . . 24

St. Ursula Academy . . . . . . . . 26

St. Jude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Inside

Contact

January 31 - February 4, 2011 3A+ for America Catholic SchoolsWest

Dear friends of Catholic Schools,Each year, we set aside one week of theyear to celebrate the excellence and her-

itage of our Catholic Schools. In the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, we are

blessed with some of the finest Catholicschools in the country.

Our schools are setting the standard foracademic excellence; through the relentlessdedication of our many talented teachers andadministrators, Catholic school students areembracing our top-notch educational pro-grams and are poised to become leaders in achanging world.

Our schools have established warm, nur-turing communities where students are val-ued and validated every day.

Most importantly, our schools have accept-ed the call to embody the teachings of Christand spread God’s good news to all people.

The theme for Catholic Schools Week thisyear is “A+ for America.”

As superintendent, I give our schools topmarks for their academic superiority, nurtur-

ing communities, and faith-filled educationalprograms.

During Catholic Schools Week, I hope thatyou join me in rejoicing in the strength of ourschools.

In the pages that follow, you will findaccounts of some of the good things happen-ing in our schools.

I invite you to visit your local Catholicschool and witness the excellence of ourschools firsthand.

Many of our schools are hosting openhouses in the coming weeks; if you haveschool-aged children, I encourage you to con-tact a Catholic school, take a tour, and consid-er enrolling.

Our schools are truly a blessing toCincinnati. Happy Catholic Schools Week toall!

Yours in Christ,Dr. Jim Rigg

Director of Educational ServicesSuperintendent of Catholic Schools

Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Director of Educational Services and Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dr. Jim Rigg with students.

WELCOMELETTER


At St. John the Baptist School,in Colerain Township, faculty andstudents believe a Catholic educa-tion is more than what you getout of it – it’s about giving, too.

That’s why along with aca-demics, the school makes givingback to the community a priority.

Students from preschool-age toeighth grade are involved in serv-ice projects throughout the year.

One service project in particu-

lar took 60 eighth-grade studentsto the One Way Farm, where theyprepared a pasta meal completewith salad and dessert.

“It was an amazing experiencethat left the students all aglow,”said Jane Schaefer, the school’scoordinator of religious educa-tion.

This high involvement in serv-ice is something that everyone atSt. John’s is very proud of.

A recent survey given to par-ents and students revealed anexpectation of good values andChristian responsibility is one ofthe school’s top strengths, alongwith providing superior academ-ics and excellent teachers.

St. John’s is hosting an openhouse Thursday, Feb. 3, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

To learn more, call 385-7970 orvisit www.stjohnbluejays.org.

Giving back through service at St. John the Baptist SchoolAt St. John the BaptistSchool, facultyand studentsbelieve aCatholic education ismore thanwhat you getout of it – it’sabout giving,too.

Call 648-4614 to advertise in

CCrreeaattiivveeLiving

St. Dominic School isliterally a cornerstone inDelhi, situated at the far-thest south end of thecommunity on the cornerof Pedretti Avenue andDelhi Road.

The school provides aCatholic education forkindergarten througheighth grade and is a vitalpart of the Delhi commu-nity.

One of the beliefs thatSt. Dominic operatesunder is to challenge theunique abilities of eachstudent in such a manner

to develop Christian val-ues, to enhance self-

worth, to attain academicexcellence, and to buildlifelong learning skills cul-minating in well-roundedindividuals.

The teachers and staffchallenge not only theirstudents but themselvesto achieve the highestgoals possible.

They are a Blue RibbonSchool of Excellence,which is the most presti-gious award given by theUS Department ofEducation.

St. Dominic also boastsfive Distinguished

Teacher of the Yearawards granted by theNational CatholicEducation Associationincluding this year’srecipient, sixth-grademath and science teacherJenny Teepen.

Because Delhi is such atight knit communitywhere siblings, neighborsand cousins often timesgo all through elementaryschool together St.Dominic saw the needfrom their families to pro-vide pre-school on-site, aswell.

This is an exciting andambitious addition totheir organization andthey will begin offeringclasses for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds in 2011.

The class options willinclude a morning orafternoon session, a full-day session, a pre-K ses-sion and an after-schoolprogram when needed.

The most exciting andprogressive alternative totheir preschool will be theability for parents to pickand choose what daysthey would like their childto attend.

Typically, preschoolsoffer a Monday,Wednesday and Friday, ora Tuesday and Thursdayclass selection.

This flexibility to createyour child’s own schedulewill be a great tool forparents that are trying toplan around work andschool schedules, otheractivities and family obli-gations.

St. Dominic Schoolshares with each familythe responsibility of help-ing each child developspiritually, morally, aca-demically, socially, emo-tionally, and physically.

And by providing aflexible pre-school sched-ule with the same type ofrewarding academic cur-riculum that they provideto K-8 students they cannow reach out to familiesmuch earlier.

There will be an openhouse at St. DominicWednesday, Feb. 2, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. forfamilies to learn moreabout the preschool andeveryone is welcome whomight be interested.

To learn more about St.Dominic, visit their web-site at www.stdominic-k-8.org or call the schooloffice at 251-1276.


St. Dominic School a vital part of DelhiThe teachersand staff challenge notonly their students butthemselves toachieve thehighest goals possible.

By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor

Nestled in the inner city, inNorthside, St. Boniface parishstands in quiet grandeur where ithas stood since 1862, serving thecommunity.

“Even though the school hasbeen here since 1862, the presentbuilding was dedicated in 1933,the same year chocolate chipswere invented,” said Sister AnnGorman, who co-principals theschool along with JasonFightmaster.

“We have 184 students here,along with 18 preschoolers, andeach day we have volunteerscome to help us, and work ontheir studies,” she said.

Currently the school has fourbrothers from their novitiate St.Gertrude in Madeira, noviceswhose job is to help by workingin institutions like schools, nurs-ing homes, and hospitals, any-where the novice master thinks

they can benefit the most byhelping and learning.

“Our teachers outline tasks forthe brothers, who started comingonce a week in October, and theyhelp with things like tutoring thestudents, or assisting with proj-ects,” said Sister Ann.

“We have a great recyclingprogram going on right nowwith the eighth-graders, and ourbrothers are really enjoyingworking with the students onthat.

Volunteers add a lot to ourschool, and we are glad to havethem. The children benefit great-ly from the talents the volunteersbring. It is a win-win situation,”she said.

Brother Jacob and BrotherThomas come to the school everyTuesday, and Brother Michaeland Brother Gregory comeThursdays. They have a schedulenoting where they should bewhen, and they are easy to spot

with their light, full length habits.They are cheerful, and friendly,and love working with the chil-dren.

“We get to work with all dif-ferent grades, so there is a wideage range,” said Brother Gregory.“We can see how the teachingadapts to each age level of chil-dren.”

Brother Michael agrees.“We are able to see the joy and

innocence with which the chil-dren view life, and I think adultsare so busy with their lives, theyforget to see that view,”explained Brother Michael.

“We are there to see whenthings connect in their minds,and it is wonderful to see that joyof discovery,” he said.

Both brothers’ favorite part ofvolunteering is reading to thepreschoolers.


Volunteers aid St. Boniface

Brother Michael Mary Weibley, and Brother Gregory Maria Pine assist with music classwith 18 preschoolers at St. Boniface school in Northside.


St. Aloysius on the OhioSchool builds faith, values andacademics. Nestled on thebanks of the Ohio River in his-toric Sayler Park, St. Aloysiuson the Ohio School has been agreat place for children to learnand grow for more than 136years.

In the past three years, majorrenovations were made to thebuilding including the additionof air conditioning, sound-proofceilings, windows and new stu-dent lockers.

This school year the schoolfeatures new computers andsmart boards in the classroomsand a new computer lab

equipped with 25 computers.They are also celebrating the

school being nominated for thePanasonic National SchoolChange Award. This award isgiven to six schools nationally for

positive changes in the schoolcommunity.

Each day, these classroomscome alive with activities as 125students are challenged academi-cally, nurtured spiritually, andtested physically.

The students enjoy a safe,friendly environment thatencourages mutual respect andself-discipline.

St. Aloysius provides a solidfaith-based Catholic educationfor pre-kindergarten throughgrade eight.

The pre-kindergarten pro-gram, which is state certified,offers both full- and part-timeoptions to meet the needs of the

students and parents’ workschedules.

The school’s low student-to-teacher ratio allows individualattention from a fully-certifiedstaff.

For students with special needs,academic support services are pro-vided from specialists including aspeech pathologist, reading spe-cialist and disabilities tutor.

Enrichment activities areoffered through athletics, art,music, foreign language and oneof the best Accelerated Readerprograms in Cincinnati.

Call 941-7831 or 941-3445 toschedule a personal tour andreceive an information packet.

Building faith, values and academics at St. AloysiusThis school year theschool features newcomputers andsmart boards in theclassrooms and anew computer labequipped with 25computers.




Enriched with exceptional aca-demics in a faith-based educa-tion, Seton offers young women acollege-prep comprehensive cur-riculum with 15 advanced place-ment classes, three online coursesand volumes of electives.

Once again this year, Seton isthe only Catholic high school tobe included in C-STEP, (Science,Technology, EngineeringProgram) funded by the NationalScience Foundation and based atthe University of Cincinnati.

A shining leader in Catholiceducation, Seton’s incrediblestate-of-the-art campus offers stu-dents everything they need tolearn and excel.

All students have their ownpersonal Tablet PC. Students takenotes on their tablets, receiveworksheets and turn in assign-ments electronically.

The best software available isintegrated into the curriculum.The wireless campus literally

offers the world to students andthe possibilities are endless.

Combined with an experi-enced staff knowledgeable notonly in their field, but in theworld of technology, curriculumis presented by incorporating thebest practices in education.

Seton has a renowned per-forming arts tradition. For morethan 40 years the Seton-ElderPerformance Series has been pro-ducing exceptional entertain-ment, unlike any other programin the city.

The setting at Seton includesan on-campus 900-seat air-condi-tioned Performance Hallequipped with all the amenitiesfound in professional theaters.

Seton is home to theCincinnati MetropolitanOrchestra and advanced orches-tral students have the opportuni-ty to participate in the CMO.

Through the leadership of theSisters of Charity, Seton instructs

and challenges their students tothrive in an environment thatpromotes exceptional growthspiritually, academically, and per-sonally, preparing young womenfor their future.

From the class of 2010, 99 per-cent are continuing with post-sec-ondary education.

All students participate incommunity service. With over 30

co-curricular activities, 12 varsitysports and an exceptional finearts program, Seton offers some-thing for everyone.

The welcoming atmosphereand spirit at Seton is legendary,with a national school spirit titleto prove it!

The Seton spotlight is waitingfor you! Come and see how youcan shine at Seton.

Shine at Seton

Shine the spotlight on Seton High School and see the star-studded offerings!


News of Roger Bacon’s brightfuture is resonating throughoutthe city. Roger Bacon HighSchool is changing and theirfuture is strong.

At RB, they have investedmore than $3 million in capitalimprovements to our campuswith a new library/media center,new art studios, additions to theguidance department and fieldturf to the stadium.

However, the newest andmost substantial change to dateis Roger Bacon’s new selective,benchmark driven admissionpolicy.

The Class of 2014 is the firstclass to be admitted under thispolicy, and is the most selectivein RB’s history. The new policystrengthens our core Franciscanvalues and is designed to ensuresuccess for our students andschool. The results are clear andpositive. More than 70 percent ofthe freshmen class come to us

from a Catholic grade school,academic levels are well bal-anced, parental involvement ishigh and most of all the studentsare engaging, excited and happyto be here!

This is a change in the waythey accept a Roger Bacon stu-dent. They continue to look to

their past and honor their tradi-tions as they plan for a promisingfuture. Roger Bacon High Schoolwill always provide a Franciscaneducation, they will always chal-lenge young men and women toreach their potential and theywill always maintain that close-knit family atmosphere that

makes us unique.Spread the word! Roger Bacon

is the premier co-ed Catholichigh school in Cincinnati.

For details regarding admis-sion contact Brandon Cowans,director of admission, at 641-1313or [email protected].

Strong future for Roger Bacon High School

Students stand out and succeed at Roger Bacon High School.


Saint James School is one of the premierprivate schools in our community.

Having received four U.S. Department ofEducation Blue Ribbon of Excellence inEducation Awards, Saint James is still theonly elementary school in the nation toachieve this honor.

Students ranging from kindergartenthrough eighth grade consistently scorein the top 10 percent of national stan-dardized tests.

Students who graduate from SaintJames are well prepared to succeed inhigh school, having received a strongacademic foundation.

The eighth-grade class of2010 wasoffered a com-bined total of$392,000 inscholarshipfunds.

While stu-dents are pri-marilyCatholic, theschool wel-comes peopleof all faiths.The schoolaccepts stu-dents at anylevel of their

education. For example, it is not uncommon for a

student to enroll at the beginning ofsixth grade and transition quickly,thanks to the school’s nurturing environ-ment.

All students participate in weekly art,music and physical education classestaught by talented, licensed teachers.

Students attend weekly technologyclasses taught by certified staff and haveaccess to over 200 networked computersand SMART Boards school-wide.

Junior high students have the oppor-tunity to take two years of Spanish, andstudents at every grade level attenddaily religion classes and weekly mass.

The Saint James kindergarten programoffers both half-day and full-day classes. Theschool’s experienced kindergarten teachersprovide a strong foundation for a child’s aca-demic future in a safe, caring environment.

With a teacher-to-student ratio of one to20, the kindergarten teachers provide eachchild with individualized attention to ensuresuccess.

Comparing Saint James kindergarten to

other area options, it is one of the most com-prehensive and affordable programs avail-able.

Saint James School is becoming one of thearea’s leaders in Science, Technology,Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.

In August 2010, Saint James unveiled itsnew Science Lab designed to promote 21st

Century Learning Skills. Containing both a wet and dry lab, this

new facility enables students to improve theircritical thinking and decision making skillsthrough hands-on exploration.

By focusing on learning by inquiry,kindergarten through eighth-grade studentsare being empowered to think like scientists.

Additionally, Saint James has been award-ed a STEM Innovation Grant through the

University of Cincinnati’s Fusion Center,which will enable the school to purchaseequipment and provide school-wide profes-sional development.

In the near future, teachers will be able toillustrate concepts on tablet PCs attached toprojectors. Students will also have the abilityto utilize scientific probeware and laptop

computers to collect and analyze real-time data.

Saint James is moving forward inSTEM education and creating a researchcommunity for its students.

Of course we cannot forget that oneof the most influential components of asolid education is still the classroomteacher.

Saint James boasts a dynamic, caring,knowledgeable faculty, of which 50 per-cent hold advanced degrees.

Saint James proudly employs twoteachers who were honored as NationalCatholic Education Association Teachersof the Year, as well as a full team of expe-rienced educational specialists.

For working parents, Saint James isconvenient and accessible. Many familiestake advantage of the school’s Beforeand After School Program.

The Childcare Program is located on-site and staffed by the same personneleach morning and afternoon, giving stu-dents a safe, fun place to go.

The childcare staff provides snacks,homework support and fun activities forstudents in a warm, child-centered envi-ronment.

Saint James is a mission-drivenschool, where both academic and person-al excellence is fostered, committed tomeeting the needs of all learners.

The tradition of excellence carried onthrough generations of White Oak fami-lies remains steadfast. Saint JamesSchool’s strong academic program isrooted in a Catholic values-based educa-tion.

To discover all Saint James has tooffer, join the faculty and staff for theirannual open house Sunday, Jan. 30, from11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

You’re invited to tour the school, meet thefaculty, and gain further details regardingregistration. One lucky visitor will receive a$100 tuition credit for the 2011-2012 schoolyear.

For more information about Saint JamesSchool or to schedule a personal tour, visitthe website at www.StJamesWO.org, call theschool office at 741-5333, or e-mail the schoolat [email protected].

Discover Saint James School, a premier private school

6111 Cheviot Road, Cincinnati 45247 | 741-5333

Explore our newstate-of-the-art science lab at our

OPEN HOUSEJanuary 30

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Discoverthe only

grade schoolin the nationthat has won theU.S. Department

of EducationBlue Ribbon of

Excellence Awardfour times.

www.stjameswo.org

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Students whograduatefrom SaintJames arewell preparedto succeed inhigh school,havingreceived astrong academicfoundation.

Committed to preparingyoung women for the future,Mother of Mercy High Schoolprovides its students with thecurriculum, resources and sup-portive environment necessaryfor success.

Rooted in her faith and encour-aged to continually grow, the“Mercy Effect” enlivens the spiritof each girl as she discovers herfull potential and realizes thereare no limits to what she can be.

There are many unique com-ponents that create the MercyEffect, but our students say threein particular make the real MercyDifference:

• First, Mercy’s curriculum isbuilt around a collegiate “block”schedule consisting of four 85-minute classes per day, whichmeans classes meet every other day.

While best preparing our stu-dents for the seminar-styleinstruction found in colleges, theimmediate benefits of block

scheduling include an additionalnight to complete homeworkassignments, giving studentsmore time to participate inextracurricular activities.

Longer class periods also pro-vide ample time for engagingdiscussions, in-depth laboratorywork, extensive technology useand detailed research.

Recent graduates are thrilledto share that they are better pre-pared for a college schedule thantheir classmates from otherschools due to Mercy’s blockschedule and their early experi-ence in time management.

• Secondly, Mercy provides itsstudents an advanced and unique-ly versatile technology program,encouraging girls to use the toolthat is most appealing to them.

Whether its their iPod,Laptop, SmartPhone or iPad,with Mercy’s fully wireless cam-pus, students have the quick andready access they need to supple-

ment their classroom learningwith educational applicationsand filtered Internet sites.

In addition to this options-based environment, Mercy hasthree state-of-the-art computerlabs (PC, Mac and Graphic Arts),a media/library center, tworesource rooms, five mobile lap-top carts for on-demand classinstruction, “loaner” laptops forhome use, LCD projectors inevery classroom, and numerousSMART Boards.

Plus, Mercy has the WestSide’s only fully equipped andsophisticated TV broadcast andvideo production studio in agirls’ school.

In addition to all the technolo-gy on hand for students, Mercyprovides grades online throughPower School and uses“Blackboard,” a web-basedClassroom LearningManagement System (commonlyused at colleges and universities)

for parents and students to com-municate with teachers, accessassignments and more.

Mercy’s unique and advancedenvironment, that can so quicklyadapt to technology’s fast pacedchanges and improvements,enables us to create technologi-cally agile learners, confidentwith a broad spectrum of tech-nology tools.

Our programs’ success is evi-dent in the increasing number ofMercy students pursuing ITcareers as Network Engineers,Programmers, Web Designers,Medical Technicians and more.

But every Mercy graduate, nomatter her career choice, is bestprepared for her future with therevolutionary, advanced technol-ogy program at Mother of Mercy.

• Lastly, a Mercy student livesthe values of faith, service, com-passion, leadership and excel-


The Mother of Mercy difference changes lives

See MERCY on page 25


This year, La Salle HighSchool launched the De La SalleSignum Fidei Institute (DLSFI)and a revised curriculum incor-porating the latest tablet technol-ogy.

Both programs have provenvery successful in the first half ofthe school year.

Signum Fidei (Latin for sign offaith) integrates the five Lasalliancore values of faith, scholarship,service, community and leader-ship.

Its mission: “The La SalleServant Leader will have theexperience and confidence to eth-ically lead in a 21st century envi-ronment, and be instilled with afaith-guided passion to apply hisgifts and talents to better his localand global communities.”

DLSFI is composed of manyparts for one purpose – to chal-lenge students daily to use theirtalents as leaders.

The DLSFI is unique in itsapproach to curriculum by incor-porating leadership and faithdevelopment into the overall cur-riculum working in conjunctionwith the new tablet technology.

As a part of Signum Fidei,each student becomes a member

of a faith-sharing communityknown as their Project Team.

The Project Teams meet week-ly throughout the year in theSignum Fidei Seminar wherethey will create their ServiceInitiative.

This Service Initiative, led by

a senior, will build awareness ofsocial needs in the school, thelocal, national and world-widecommunity; identify service proj-ects; raise funds; and buildprayer networks.

This will serve as a majorcomponent of the SeniorCapstone Project.

All of these parts of the DLSFIare seamlessly united by the newtablet PC program and theupdated curriculum.

DLSFI also organizes all stu-dent body activities includingdances, the student walk, the raf-fle, and the Truck Full of LoveCanned Food Drive.

This year 40,704 pounds ofcanned goods were collected forthe less fortunate in the commu-nity during the four-week drivethat took place from mid-Octoberto mid-November.

Lancers answer the call to serve

See LA SALLE on page 18


“Exciting,” says PrincipalAimee Ellmaker enthusiasticallyas she looks toward the nextschool year for Our Lady ofLourdes.

The Catholic elementaryschool certainly has a lot comingup for the 2011-2012 academicyear.

Our Lady of Lourdes will offera new all-day kindergarten pro-gram along with a half daykindergarten.

“We saw a need in our parentcommunity for this,” explainsEllmaker. “Also, the state of Ohiohas mandated a full-day kinder-garten program for publicschools. We want to remain com-petitive and support the stateacademic standards, as well asoffer flexibility for our parents.”

Technology is going to play abig role in the 2011-2012 academ-ic year. The school is updatingtheir computer lab with 50 newcomputers.

New Smart Boards for ourclassrooms have also been donat-ed. Our Lady of Lourdes has oneof the largest tech classrooms inthe area and their own technolo-gy coordinator.

There’s also a new band, leadby a local retired musician.

The Web site has a new looktoo. Please, visit the user friendlywww.lourdes.org for a wealth ofinformation.

Although there’s lot’s of newthings happening, Our Lady ofLourdes is focused on it’s pur-pose to lay the foundation of thebasic beliefs and traditions of thechurch and strives to be a modelof a Christian community intoday’s world. They prepare theirstudents to become productivemembers of society and toassume their responsibilities ofdiscipleship.

"We instill in our students agentle spirit,” says Ellmaker.“This is revealed through the lit-tle things our students do likesmiling, saying hello, holdingopen a door.”

Our Lady of Lourdes contin-ues to be “driven by service.”Students participate in a numberof service projects that are notonly meaningfully but truly getthem involved. The students aremaking a daily difference in thecommunity and world throughprojects like the Penny War

which will benefit Hope, aChristian-Palestinian program.They’ve also had collections forSt. Leo’s Food Pantry, and manymore.

“Our mission is to provideservice,” Ellmaker explains.“Service for the kids isn’t just col-lecting things either; it’s knowingwhy they are collecting. Weembody service by using it in ourdaily vocabulary, our actions andprojects. We want to teach chil-dren to strengthen and sharetheir gifts with others.”

The faculty, staff, and alumnitogether with the parents andstudents make a daily effort tolive the gospel message in word,attitude, and action. Our Lady ofLourdes School strives to educatethe whole person by promotingthe spiritual, moral, intellectual,emotional, and physical develop-ment of each student in a value-centered environment of mutualrespect.

“Everyone is here working forthe same purpose, the students,”says Ellmaker. “We invested withour time, energy and hearts.”

Academic excellence isachieved by a strong curriculum

and development of students’individual talents. The hard workpays off and this is proven astheir eighth grade students con-sistently placed in the top 10 per-cent in scholarship honors. Thejunior high News Bowl teamranks in the top 10 schools in thestate and nation.

Our Lady of Lourdes Schoolwas awarded the Governor’sAward of Excellence in YouthScience Opportunities from 2006to 2010 with many studentsreceiving Superior ratings at boththe regional and state ScienceFairs.

With a fully automated libraryand two gymnasiums, studentshave an array of educational andextra curricular activities toexpand their dreams and helpthem grow.

This year Our Lady ofLourdes celebrates 84 years ofexcellence and openly invitesyour family to join in a partner-ship for better education, betterlife – a better world.

There will be an open house11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 30.For more information, call 347-2660.

It’s an ‘exciting’ year for Our Lady of LourdesPrincipal Aimee Ellmaker works with students.

Founded in 1927, St.Michael School hasevolved into an academi-cally superior Catholiccommunity by relying onthe support of parish-ioners and staff.

It earned the BlueRibbon Schools Award in2009 and consistentlygraduate students that goon to be very successful atlocal Catholic highschools such as St. Xavier,Moeller, Mount NotreDame, Fenwick andUrsuline Academy.

St. Michael has been acornerstone in Sharonville

for decades and has pro-gressed along with thecity’s growth.

St. Michael Schoolteaches kindergartenthrough eighth grade andhas two classes for eachgrade with a maximumclass size of 28.

Its dedicated, caringfaculty is comprised ofrecently degreed teachersas well as those with over30 years of experience.

St. Michael strives toprovide a safe and nurtur-ing environment in whicheach child can fully devel-op his/her potential: spir-

itually, academically andsocially.

Teachers and staff at St.Michael make a consciouseffort to integrate faithinto the daily lives of theirstudents.

Catholic Schools Weekis a great opportunity forthe school and communi-ty to share in the teach-ings and traditions of theChurch.

This year St. MichaelSchool is taking theopportunity to celebrateCatholic Schools Weekwith an internationaltheme to recognize thecultural diversity in theirown community.

The School is planningan International Day onWednesday of CatholicSchools Week where eachhomeroom will make apresentation on a foreigncountry.

Each class will beassigned a country of ori-gin that they will research

to learn more about theirparticular culture.

There are many stu-dents at St. Michael withparents from other coun-

tries and St. Michael isapproved by theImmigration andNaturalizationDepartment to accept for-eign exchange studentsand this year they arelucky enough to have twoexchange students.

These cultures will becelebrated and recognizedas part of their diversecommunity.

St. Michael School hasa long tradition of provid-ing a solid Catholic edu-cation.

It is a major part of

their mission to assisttheir students in acquiringa sense of responsibilityfor themselves, the com-munity in which they liveand the world community.

For more informationabout St. Michael, visittheir website atwww.stmichaelsharonville.org or call the schooloffice for tour informationat 554-3555.


St. Michael offers a superior Catholic community

St. Michael strives to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which eachchild can fully develop his/herpotential: spiritually, academically and socially.

Call 687-4614 to learn how you can be a part of theFebruary 2011 edition of the Private School

Directory, published bi-annually by TheCommunity Press/Recorder.


Mount Notre Dame offers aunique and complete collegeprep experience. It is an experi-ence that is rooted in Catholictradition and superior academicquality, but MND also offers vastextracurricular opportunities forits students that foster leader-ship, team work and a sense ofresponsibility to share their giftswith others. The result – bright,confident young women who goon to excel in college, career andin life.

The foundation of the MountNotre Dame experience is theimpressive academic program.With 18 Advanced Placementand 22 Honors courses, MND’sHonors/AP opportunities(including an AP course availableto freshmen) are among the bestin the region. MND’s ScholarsProgram exposes qualifying stu-dents to not only the most chal-lenging course of study and earlyexposure to college placement

tests, but also to a vast array ofcareer exploration opportunities.The Tablet PC Program makesthe most of educational technolo-gy and opens doors teachers andstudents never even dreamed ofknocking on just a few years ago.

MND’s engineering coursesprepare the scientifically talentedyoung women of today for acareer in this male-dominated

field. MND also boasts strongprograms in the humanities thatoffer leadership opportunitiesand a greater awareness of theinter-connectedness of our globalsociety. MND is also deeply com-mitted to the role of women inphilanthropy. Its student-runYouth Philanthropy Council is amini-foundation that has madean impact regionally, nationally

and internationally, and is now aflagship program being replicat-ed by 17 other area schools.

Mount Notre Dame’s CollegeCounseling and GuidanceDepartment views the “Road toCollege” as a four-year partner-ship between the student, herparents, the academic team andher college counselor. MND’ssystematic, yet customizedapproach to college counselingensures that each young womanarrives at the destination that isbest for her.

MND’s family spirit sets itapart. Walking through the halls,it is evident that Mount NotreDame’s students support,encourage and challenge eachother. This environment producesyoung women who think critical-ly to solve problems, work coop-eratively in group settings,delight in each other’s successes

Mount Notre Dame: Positioning young women for success

Walking through the halls, it is evident that Mount Notre Dame’s students support,encourage and challenge each other.

See MOUNT NOTRE DAME on page 27

By Patricia A. ScheyerContributor

Last year, faculty at St.Aloysius Gonzaga inBridgetown made a deci-sion to offer their studentsalternatives to their every-day routine of reading,writing and arithmetic.

In order to presentthose alternatives, the fac-ulty asked for volunteerswho could teach the chil-dren something different,something out of the ordi-nary. Parents and teachersresponded.

“We decided to look

for some way to let thestudents have a choice insomething,” said PrincipalJim Leisring. “I know thatwhen you choose some-thing, usually you will bemore engaged in it.

“So we did an interestsurvey for the students,and narrowed the choicesdown, and offered theclasses for many thingslike cooking, knitting,chess, art, crafts, jumproping, cake decorating,and playing boardgames,” he said.

“They all have to signup, but they all seem to

love it.”Last year the program

was offered for 20 weeks,roughly two quarters, butthis year the fun optionswill only last ten weeks.

“It is hard to sustaininterest in the same thingfor 20 weeks,” saidLeisring. “If we do it forone quarter, it stays fun.”

Leisring is one of thepeople who volunteeredto teach a hobby, and theinterest he chose waschess.

“Last year, I taught 20children, from thirdthrough eighth grade, thebasics of chess,” he said,and chuckled.

“This year I am sup-posed to have an assis-tant. I have tables wheretwo children sit acrossfrom each other, and Iwalk them through thebasic moves of chess, likewhere each piece isallowed to move,” hesaid. “If I have someone

who has played before, Imatch them with someonewho hasn’t played.”

Kathy Holscher, a sec-ond-grade teacher at St.Aloysius and a member ofthe faculty committee incharge of the enrichmentprogram, knows the newprogram is a hit with thechildren.

“I have kids doing sci-ence programs, cooking,doing arts and crafts proj-ects, and looking forwardto coming to school on theday we have these class-es,” she said.

“We have boys whopractice knitting in studyhall because of these class-es, and lots of boys whosign up for cooking. Theylove these classes,” said

Holscher.Leisring thinks they

have hit on somethingvery valuable for thedevelopment of their stu-dents.

“We think these classeshelp the students becomemore well-rounded,” hesaid. “It also gives thementhusiasm, and a desireto learn.

“Our school pridesitself on doing differentthings, and giving chil-dren a personal choicegives them a tiny bit ofcontrol, which gives themself confidence. We maybe a small school, but welike to think we canaccomplish big things,”said Leisring.


St. Aloysius enriches students “Our school prides itself on doing differentthings, and giving children a personalchoice gives them a tiny bit of control,which gives them self confidence. We maybe a small school, but we like to think wecan accomplish big things.”

Jim Leisring, St. Aloysious Principal

Students contributedover 3,500 hours ofChristian service.

La Salle invites futureLancers to become part ofthe tradition and the

exciting changes by visit-ingwww.futurelancers.com.

Within this websiteyou will be able to createyour profile, sign up for

various events and learnmore about La Salle HighSchool.

For information, con-tact Jake Pucci at 741-2365or [email protected].

La Salle | From page 13


By Neva Martin | Contributor

“Be the living expression ofGod’s kindness.”

This message from MotherTeresa “permeates” the spirit ofthe John Paul II School buildingthis year, said its principal, NorieRoach.

“Our students are learningthat it only takes one person tomake a difference in the life ofanother,” said Roach.

The students have made a dif-ference by embracing the themeof Random Acts of Kindness, headded.

“The students gathered inAugust for a prayer service tolearn about the story of a childsaving one starfish at a time,”Roach said.

As each student performsthese random acts, a starfish isadded to decorate the lobby bul-letin board, representing the dif-ference each one is making in thelife of another person.

“This pay-it-forward act iscatching in every classroom andhallway in the school,” saidRoach. “When one kindness isdone, one is passed forward. Thestudents are beginning to recog-nize random acts in other peo-ple.”

As seventh-grader Lizzy

Maloney has noticed, “Kindnessis catching!” Students haveshown this kindness to oneanother by helping fellow class-mates who are struggling withassignments, by assistingyounger students to learn to reador find their classrooms, and byhelping them on the bus.

These random acts don’t endat the school, but extend to thecommunity. Student and staffalike have walked for hunger forMatthew 25: Ministries.

They have collected money forthe United Service Organization,which sends care packages to sol-diers overseas. They have gath-ered canned goods for St. Vincentde Paul and Mount Healthy FoodAlliance as well as worked withLittle Brothers Friends of theElderly to send Christmas carepackages.

Walking for hunger has excit-ed fifth-graders Maria Richards,Ian Vogel and Sophie Hunter,knowing they were part of acommunity event that made sucha difference for so many.

“It made me feel good know-ing that by doing the walk, I wasfeeding the hungry,” said Maria.

For Veterans Day, the second-graders wrote letters to the sol-

Random acts of kindness ‘permeate’ the lives of John Paul II students

Fifth-graders Sophie Hunter and Ian Vogel point to John Paul II School’s lobby bulletinboard, where starfish represent random acts of kindness performed by the students.

See JOHN PAUL II on page 25


In 1842 the first class enteredthe doors of Our Lady of VictorySchool.

This first class had no ideathat they would become thebeginning of a tradition of aca-demic excellence rooted in afaith-filled environment that hasbeen Victory’s mission for over169 years.

With this comes a deep loyaltyto the continuation of Victory’smission.

Over the past few years,Victory has increased the numberof enrichment and interventionopportunities, renovated the sci-ence lab, started an HonorsAlgebra class, expanded its tech-

nology program, and introduceda K-8 foreign language program.

Victory teachers believe thatall students can learn at high lev-

els, and students excel, consis-tently scoring above the top 10percent nationally on standard-ized tests.

Victory’s teachers are recog-nized for their professionalexpertise and have been chosenfor professional developmentopportunities such as a fellow-ship in Kenya and for awardssuch as the Mathematics Teacherof the Year.

The heart of Victory’s missionis empowering students to livetheir faith.

Through activities such asmaking blankets for the LinusProject or serving lunch at a localsoup kitchen, Victory students

lovingly bless the lives of others. With a commitment to provide

a well-rounded education,Victory is passionately dedicatedto nurturing students’ talents.

Co-curricular activities andfine arts opportunities abound.Our annual school musical drawsaudience members from all overCincinnati.

A compassionate communitycommitted to academic excel-lence and spiritual development,parents choose to send their chil-dren to Victory because of theschool’s dedication to providingan exemplary education in a nur-turing environment where allchildren shine.

Academic excellence rooted in a faith-filled environmentVictory teachersbelieve that all students can learn at high levels, and students excel, consistently scoring above thetop 10 percentnationally onstandardized tests.

Call 687-4614 to advertise in Harvest

Home Fair


While super-size meals, big-screen televisions and SUVs maybe common, when it comes toschools, more and more parentsare discovering that bigger isn’talways better.

St. Aloysius Gonzaga Schoolin Bridgetown is proud to callitself the “small school with bigpossibilities.”

St. Al’s small size contributesto the warm, positive atmosphereparents and students find com-fortable and welcoming.

“From the moment westepped into St. Al’s to take atour of the school, we felt athome. As soon as our daughtermet the teachers and staff, theynever forgot who she was – evenbefore she became a student atthe school. Everyone, not just thefaculty and staff, has been friend-ly and welcoming,”said parent

Monica Alexander whose daugh-ter is now a St. Al’s kindergartenstudent.

“We have been impressedwith the technology that existsconsidering the smaller size ofthe school and we were drawn tothe smaller class sizes which pro-vide more personal attention andallow the faculty to better recog-nize individual strengths andweaknesses. Sometimes biggerisn’t always better,” she said.

As the Alexander family hasdiscovered, at St. Al’s “small”means lots of personal attentionwhich helps students succeedwithin the strong academic pro-gram. Student math and readingscores are in the top 10 percent inthe country.

Graduating eighth-gradersconsistently achieve scholarshipsto local Catholic high schools as

well as honors program place-ment at both public andparochial high schools.

State-of-the-art technologyand diverse extra-curricularofferings add to the academicemphasis.

A fully equipped computerlab, mobile laptops for studentuse, classrooms equipped withinteractive whiteboards, and anautomated library underscore theimportance placed on having up-to-date technology as a tool toenhance learning.

Academic competitions, fieldtrips, guest speakers and pro-grams also regularly enhance les-sons taught in the classrooms.

These include ScienceOlympiad (St. Al’s teams haveadvanced to state competition thepast two years), It’s Academic,spelling and geography bees,

speech contests, and the YoungAuthors competition.

Again this winter students areparticipating in an in-schoolenrichment program that allowsthem to explore new interests.

Students chose their enrich-ment topic from among offeringsincluding calligraphy, creating amosaic mural, sign language, andcooking.

Every Friday afternoon a classperiod is devoted to pursuingthis interest under the guidanceof faculty, staff and volunteers.

This program proved verypopular with students last yearwhile faculty and staff werepleased to see that when childrenare given choices about whatthey can explore, they are moreengaged and the resulting enthu-

St. Al’s in Bridgetown: Proud to be a small school with big possibilities

See ST. AL’S in BRIDGETOWN on page 25


By Patricia A. Scheyer | Contributor

St. Ignatius school inMontford Heights has alwaysbeen about inclusion.

A motto they adopted from anold football coach is that theschool begins with “I” and endswith “us,” a remarkably succinctslogan that they live up to on aneveryday basis.

“I think everything we dostems from an increased determi-nation to fulfill our mission,”said Tim Reilly, who has beenprincipal for the last 17 years.

“That mission is to help par-ents educate their children. Wedecided we needed to help them

educate all children, whetherthey have disabilities or not. Idon’t like ‘no.’ Tell me what thechild can do, not what he can’tdo,” he said.

Reilly went on to say that thestudents have taken to thisapproach very naturally, and forthe most part, all of the studentsthink disabilities don’t makeanother student better or worse,it just contributes to the makeupof their friends.

“It is awesome, their totalacceptance of each other,” saidReilly. “It widens the children’sspectrum of normal. And what isa surprising benefit is that all ofour test scores have gone up.

“That says to me that theteachers are making a greatereffort to reach all the children.For the past eight years, we havebeen at the top of the top 10schools in the country,” he said.

Reilly said about 8 percent ofthe school’s population of justover 1,000 students have disabili-ties, which is on a par with thenational population average.

There is no honor roll in theschool, because that promotescompetition within the studentbody, and Reilly stresses thatcompetition should be within thestudent, to take the gifts theywere given and stretch them asfar as they can.

“This is a philosophy of beingopen to ‘yes’, of working with par-ents and teachers to bring out thebest in the children,” said Reilly.

“We did get an award for ouroutlook, and that was nice, butthe bottom line is the child, andhow we can respect them, andgive them what they need to suc-ceed,” he said.

Lynn Thesing, advancementdirector for the school, agreeswith the philosophy.

“Here at this school it is veryimportant that everyone is cele-brated for their own gifts and tal-ents,” she said. “We think it is somuch more than a program – it isthe right thing to do.”

St. Ignatius begins with ‘I’, ends with ‘us’




McAuley High School is atechnology leader among allCatholic high schools inCincinnati.

In fact, one of McAuley’sfinest teachers taught the entireArchdiocese how to useBlackBoard in 2003, when it wasadopted.

Now in the third year of theTabletPC program, McAuley con-tinues to move forward and uti-lize the very latest technologiesas we partner with parents todevelop their daughters in somany ways.

McAuley scholars daily organ-ize all their class activities, notes,homework, and projects on theirTablets. Their textbooks are ontheir Tablets and they can accessthem at any time.

The young women have easyaccess, as well, to many otherresources, all without carryingoverloaded backpacks. They par-ticipate in online class discus-

sions and study sessions, as wellas turn in assignments throughdigital methods.

They collaborate with sisterstudents in group assignments,and the creativity the TabletPCinspires is nearly limitless.

English students in Ms.Vissing’s English class use theirtablets for an exam study session.

There are so many reasonsthat a school-administeredTabletPC program is superior toother technology approaches.

It levels the playing field forall students. Everyone, studentsand teachers, has the same soft-ware and capabilities.

McAuley has a dedicated staffmember whose role is to assistthe students with their TabletPCneeds.

A tablet computer is so muchmore versatile than a laptop; forexample, the screen swivels andcan be written on with a specialstylus. Student keep their Tablets

most of the summer, except for asmall period of time that theTabletPC is professionally read-ied for the next school year.

Inappropriate websites, blogs,etc. can be blocked, ensuring thatthe students are focused academ-ically.

The TabletPC becomes theproperty of the student when shegraduates, thereby saving moneyon a computer to take to college.Yes, your daughter is worth theinvestment in McAuley and itsTabletPC Program.

Read what some current fresh-men have to say about theirTabletPCs:

“My tablet has allowed me to takethe initiative to not only learn, butexplore, to understand the informa-tion in a way that works best for me,not necessarily the rest of my class.This tool will also be very useful inthe future, as technology only con-tinues to advance in our society.

Though we cannot be completelysure what the future will hold, weknow where we are right now, andhaving my tablet is a distinct advan-tage.” –– CCaarraa

“The world is always at our fin-gertips for research.” –– EElllliiee

“I am so grateful to have thetablet as a learning tool. Having myown personal computer allows me toorganize my files as I wish and workon them at my own pace, not justwhen a computer is available to me.I truly think that the tablets are

Your daughter is worth it at McAuley

See MCAULEY on page 27

“Having a laptophas made my highschool experienceso much better andI never want to goback to the oldways again.”

Annie


By Neva Martin | Contributor

When St. James School opened itsdoors this past fall, its students discov-ered an additional feature: a brand-newscience lab, to enrich their learning andtheir lives.

Through $100,000 garnered fromgrants, private donations and the annual“Panther Prowl” fundraiser at the WhiteOak school, the lab reflects a tremen-dous effort by the school community,said Doug Behr, seventh- and eighth-grade science teacher and sciencedepartment chairman.

“The construction effort was awe-some,” said Behr.

“Hudepohl Construction headed upthe project with Frey Electric, NiemanPlumbing, Wittrock Woodworking andothers all supplying materials and labor(so) we could accomplish the projectwithin budget,” he said.

For a functional, flexible space, theyconverted two existing classrooms intoone large lab totaling about 1,760 squarefeet.

To maximize the lab’s use, theyinstalled a movable partition where theexisting wall between the two roomshad been, allowing more than one classat a time to use the spaces.

“The north side, the ‘wet’ side, hassink access to all group work spaces anda special flooring to eliminate slipperyfloor surface if there is a spill,” Behr said.

“The south side of the lab, or the‘dry’ side, has a traditional tile floorwith eight (specialty) lab tables. There isone double sink and electricity through-out. Each lab table has electricity run toit through the floor,” he said.

Both sides have projector systemshooked up to tablet PCs for graphicallypresenting material or conceptions, headded.

St. James also received $8,000 forequipment from a grant from STEM (amethod incorporating science, technolo-gy, engineering and mathematics) tohelp equip the labs with special laptoptechnology and to help the teachersreceive training.

Melissa Weingartner, who teachessixth-grade science and math, said shebegan the year with scientific-methodideas as part of her Life Science curricu-lum.

“Students even designed their ownexperiments that were conducted in thelab,” said Weingartner. “We shared thesewith our younger grades to give themthe lab experience, which was wonder-ful to see.”

She said her classes used the lab tocover genetics and DNA, making theirown DNA strands and models.

“We designed a unit on plants andhave created our own ‘winter green-house,’ growing beans, corn and fastplants,” said Weingartner.

Fifth-grade science teacher JenniferStrong said her students have performedmany experiments and activities thatinclude chemical reactions, heat energyand electricity.

“We were able to have a spookyHalloween for the fifth- and sixth-graders as well,” said Strong. “The stu-dents are provided with a space to learnthrough hands-on activities and to seescience happening in front of them.”

Sherry Kembre, eighth-grade scienceand English teacher, said the new laballows the teacher to prepare better foractivities, since the materials needed forexperimentation are conveniently athand.

“I feel the students take science moreseriously, because they feel as if whatthey are doing and contributing to theclass is important and worthwhile,”Kembre added.

Behr said the lab is helping the stu-dents become better scientific thinkersand problem-solvers, ingraining behav-iors at a younger and younger age.

New science lab teaches hands-on learning at St. James

Seventh-grader Kevin Bunger leads an experi-ment for kindergarten students by makingoobleck, an interesting substance that acts asboth a solid and a liquid.

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diers overseas to thank andhonor them for their commit-ment.

And in March during Lent,students and staff will partici-pate in a retreat that focuses onacts of kindness through prayer,song and service.

From kindergarten througheighth grade, the students willlend their time and talents forthe poor, the hungry, the sickand lonely people in this world.Activities include making cards,sandwiches, care packages or

school boxes.Seventh-graders Michael

Nichols and Kyle Butz agreedthat the Random Acts ofKindness theme is “helping kidslearn how to help others.”

“Being ‘the living expressionof God’s kindness’ is shaping theschool community,” Michaelsaid.

Kyle added, “The students arethinking of ways and willing tomake a difference.”

A difference in hundreds oflives, Roach said.

John Paul II | From page 19

siasm carries over to the rest oftheir St. Al’s learning experi-ences.

Beyond the school day, St. Al’soffers students extracurricularprograms in athletics, drama,Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, aswell as an E-Club that promotesenvironmental education.

While everyone at St. Al’s isproud of students’ academic suc-cess and extra-curricular partici-pation, the school community’sgreatest achievement is itsexpression of the Catholic faithand values that underlie the cur-riculum and all programs.

St. Al’s School has strong sup-port from the St. Al’s Parish com-munity; the faculty and staff takeseriously their role in promotingthe greater parish mission: “toknow Christ, to love Christ, tobring others to Christ.”

In addition to daily religiousinstruction, weekly Mass partici-pation and sacramental prepara-

tion, students put their faith inaction through numerous com-munity service opportunitiesoffered at all grade levels.

Come see for yourself all ofthe big possibilities our smallschool has to offer.

Plan to attend the St. Al’sopen house Sunday, Jan. 30, from11:15 a.m. to 2 p.m.

If you are seeking an out-standing kindergarten for yourchild, St. Al’s offers full or half-day options.

A Kindergarten InformationNight will be held Thursday,Feb. 3, at 7 p.m. For new fami-lies, registration for the 2011-12academic year begins Feb. 13.

You are welcome to visit ourwebsite at www.saintals.org orcall the school at 574-4035 formore information.

Personal tours can be easilyscheduled as well as the oppor-tunity to meet with staff or facul-ty members.

St. Al’s in Bridgetown | From page 21

lence every day. The development of clear val-

ues, a deepening of one’s faith,and reaching out in service toothers are definite qualities of aMercy education.

These core values provide fora family-like atmosphere where

our young women feel accept-ance early on and grow into con-fident women who will make adifference in their family, com-munity, in their country andaround the globe.

This is the Mercy effect, and itmakes all the difference.

Mercy | From page 12


There’s a reason studentscome from more than 70 gradeschools in three states to attendSt. Ursula Academy. It’s worth it!

It’s the demand for the entireSUA experience that has enabledthe school to grow from 63 stu-dents in 1910 to nearly 700 today.

St. Ursula Academy is consid-ered a premiere private girls’high school in Greater Cincinnati.For more than 100 years, St.Ursula has committed to academ-ic excellence, relationship andcharacter building and servicerooted in Catholic values.

SUA is known for highachievement in education, butfocuses on the whole person tomake sure every student enjoys awell-rounded high school experi-ence.

St. Ursula is a nurturingCatholic educational communitywhere students thrive inside andoutside of the classroom.Experienced and caring teachers,

coaches and staff unleash thepotential of each student tobecome women of faith, integrityand courage. Our students buildconfidence, knowledge andfriendships as part of their SUAexperience.

Ask an SUA student or parentor come see for yourself whatmakes St. Ursula so extraordi-nary. There are many opportuni-ties to experience firsthand theSUA campus and state-of-the-artfacilities, the talented teachers,the tradition and history and theunforgettable feeling you getwhen you walk in the door.

“When I walked through theschool for the first time, it feltspecial and I knew it was like noplace I had ever been. I knewright away that this was theschool for me,” said Sarah, SUAsophomore.

Students come to St. Ursulafrom every corner of the GreaterCincinnati region. Students and

parents seek out St. Ursulabecause they know it is some-thing special.

Parents describe a feeling ofpeace and confidence knowingthey have made a great choice forhigh school. They know theirdaughters will graduate fromSUA with the tools they need tobecome tomorrow’s leaders witha strong foundation from SUA.

Students develop friendshipsthat last a lifetime. Class reunionsand strong alumnae programskeep classmates and friends con-nected for life. It doesn’t take longfor new and lasting friendships toform, whether incoming studentsknow other girls on their first dayor not. Our students become partof our family and feel nurtured bytheir caring teachers.

St. Ursula Academy believesbalance is important. Studentsfind they can pursue many inter-ests at SUA beyond the class-room. There are more than 40

student clubs and organizationsthat include hobbies, fine arts,honor societies, community serv-ice and much more. There arealso several teams in 12 sports.There truly is something foreveryone at SUA.

Many students and graduatessay they love the century-longtraditions at St. Ursula Academyfrom the freshman “beanie day”to the senior tea and graduationin long white gowns and redroses.

Upon graduation, students tellus they feel prepared for college.St. Ursula students are educatedto be open-minded criticalthinkers and lifelong learnerswho study all aspects of an issueand form opinions based uponinquiry and analysis.

These skills give them self-confidence, high self-esteem andintegrity. SUA graduates are

Be unstoppable at St. Ursula Academy

See ST. URSULA ACADEMY on page 27


aware of their own unique gifts and theresponsibility they have to use thesegifts to benefit themselves and others.

Whatever a student’s hopes anddreams, St. Ursula Academy can helpher achieve them. The guidance teambegins to work personally with eachstudent in her freshman year to helpwith the adjustment to high school andto make sure the classes fit the student.

Student guidance continues everyyear to make sure each student is ontrack to meet her personal and educa-tion goals. In a student’s senior year, theguidance team offers many resources toassist with the college application andselection process, and the results are

impressive.In the past several years, between 85

percent and 89 percent of the seniorswere offered merit scholarships for col-lege in academics, athletics, the arts, andservice totaling more than $22 millioneach year!

The slogan “We are St. Ursula. Weare Unstoppable” applies to each stu-dent and her personal goals. SUA teach-es every girl to have confidence, tobelieve in herself and to pursue herdreams and goals. St. Ursula is the totalpackage! Learn more today.

For information or opportunities tovisit SUA, please visit www.saintursu-la.org or call 961-3410.

St. Ursula Academy | From page 26

and push one another tomaximize their God-given gifts.

To top it all off, MND’sathletic program not onlyconsistently brings homestate championships butalso produces playerssought after by the mostcompetitive colleges.Georgetown,Northwestern andVanderbilt are just a fewof the universities thathave MND Cougarswearing their colors. Inthe last two years, 35 sen-iors have signed to con-tinue their athletic careersat the collegiate level.

In addition, MNDmeets various studentinterests and develops

leadership through thenearly 50 clubs andorganizations it offers.The Mount Notre Dameexperience is one thatnurtures the mind, bodyand soul. That commit-ment to the “whole per-son” is extremely evidentin the MND’s StudentActivities Program. Fromacademic to adventure;the environment toequestrian; from minorityinterests to Model UN,whatever a student’sinterests may be, chancesare “MND has a club forthat.” Many of MND’sclubs receive local,regional and nationalattention. MND’s CougarDance Team consistently

places in the top 10 at thenational level, andMND’s theatre companywas recently nominatedfor 10 CAPPIE awardsand brought home fourtrophies, including “BestPlay.”

Mount Notre Damedefinitely positions itsstudents for success. Itprovides the youngwomen of MND with thevalues and tools to suc-ceed in high school, col-lege and in their careers.Beyond that, the encour-agement and supportfrom faculty and friendsinstills a solid sense ofself in the young womenof MND, allowing themto succeed in life.

Mount Notre Dame | From page 17

worth every penny. Thetablets allow us to broadenour horizons and createmore educational opportuni-ties for ourselves.”–– TToorrii

“Having a laptop hasmade my high school experi-ence so much better and Inever want to go back to theold ways again.” –– AAnnnniiee

“We’re one system on anetwork with our teachers,who do monitor us.Everything is always in thesame place. Classes move atthe pace that fits everyonethe best and things get doneeffectively.” –– MMaaddddiiee

Come observe thegreat teaching, learning,

and technology thatMcAuley offers.

Parents are most wel-come to arrange a school-day tour. Please contactKathy Dietrich, directorof admissions, at [email protected] or681-1800, ext. 2272, andshe will be happy toschedule a convenientday and time.

McAuley | From page 23




When searching for a school,parents are looking for the bestfor their children.

Most like the intimacy of asmall school, but also desire theselection of programs a largeschool can provide. St. Judestrives to attain both.

“Class size was a big concernof mine,” said St. Jude mother,Marianne Dressman.

“I didn’t want my first-graderin a class with so many childrenhe wouldn’t get the attention Iwanted for him. St. Jude offershomerooms of no more than 20students. That’s an inviting size,”she said.

Principal Bob Huber explainedthe St. Jude approach.

“It’s essential that the studentsget off to a good start in theirearly education. To help achievethat goal, we’ve capped ourhomerooms at 20 in grades K-3,”he said.

“For example, our current first

grade has a total of 59 studentsand three homerooms,” saidHuber.

“This creates an environmentthat combines the best of bothworlds. Our primary teachershave small classes where theycan interact effectively with theirstudents, but they also have fel-low teachers,” he said.

“Having colleagues in thesame grade allows for collabora-tion and sharing of ideas whichgreatly benefits our students,”said Huber.

“Class size wasn’t the onlything we were seeking,” saidDressman.

“The types and varieties ofprograms were also a major fac-tor in our decision. This is whywe ultimately chose St. Jude.Their facilities and programs arefantastic,” she said.

“We’ve been systematicallyexpanding our programs over theyears,” said Huber.

“We opened our new ParishCenter at the beginning of the2006-2007 school year. This gaveus the ability to add new pro-grams and enhance the existingones.

“With the added space, wewere able to open our kinder-garten and extended day kinder-garten programs. Our half daykindergarten program has beenboth popular and successful,” hesaid.

“To accommodate our work-ing parents, the half day kinder-garten program can be combinedwith the extended day option toprovide a full day program. Wewere also able to develop andgrow our art, music, computer,and library programs,” saidHuber.

“We have and will continue toinvest heavily in our students.Approximately $150,000 wasspent to update our classroompresentations. All classrooms are

now equipped with SmartBoards,allowing the teachers to broadenpresentations and enrich studentinteraction,” he said.

“Another wonderful additionis our fully equipped science labwhich enables students to experi-ence hands-on science activities.Both are expected to return divi-dends in the form of increasedstudent learning and perform-ance.”

“The bottom line is ‘How areour students doing?’ ” saidHuber.

“Our parents are expecting usto provide their children with asuperior education. It’s our job totake the students entrusted to usand propel them to a higherlevel.

“Last year, our eighth gradeachieved approximately $275,000in high school scholarships.These are the results our parentsare anticipating and we consis-tently deliver,” he said.

St. Jude School – The best of both worlds

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