July 11, 2012

k c a B To

Looking FORWARD

l o 2 o 0 h 12 c S

INSIDE: Bishop Robert W. Muench – Remembering back to school days page 2B

Dr. Melanie B. Verges – Celebrate a Happy New Year in Catholic schools page 3B

Four new principals named page 4B What a Sport! – Move over football, basketball, volleyball and track pages 10 & 11B

St. Thomas Aquinas High School – A dream come true since 1986 page 18B

The Catholic Commentator | July 11, 2012

2B

The Catholic Commentator

H

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Remembering back to school days

ow many of us remember our “Back to School” days? I vividly recall the annual trip with my saintly, devoted mother to the store to “pick out” my new school bag, binder, looseleaf paper and other incidentals. It was a bitter-sweet ritual, denoting the sad end of summer vacation, but also the excitement of entering a new grade at school and being back with my classmates and friends. Well, now, as Yogi Berra once infamously said: “It’s like déjà vu all over again.” A few months ago, the Loyola of Chicago School of Education Center for Catholic School Effectiveness sent me a copy of its publication, “National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools.” This helpful booklet lists four such standards and benchmarks: 1) mission and Catholic identity; 2) governance and leadership; 3) academic excellence; and 4) operational vitality. This document states: “Catholic schools, in collaboration with parents and guardians as the primary educators, seek to educate the whole child by providing an excellent education rooted in Gospel values. ... Catholic education is rooted in the conviction that Jesus Christ provides the most comprehensive and compelling example of the realization of full human potential.” These ideals and goals are always the heart and hallmark of the Catholic schools in our diocese. This school year marks the first time that our diocese is participating in the Louisiana Scholarship

Program to provide a quality education to students who have been enrolled in failing public schools. Only those Catholic schools that have openings for more students considered participating in this program. The accommodation for enrollment of these students, accepted on a very limited basis only, can accomplish several objectives: 1) assist the Church in her mission to evangelize; 2) strengthen the outreach of our schools to help more students; 3) benefit the students and their families in obtaining a quality education, which will include sound moral teaching; and 4) assist the community in educating young people for both today and tomorrow. Throughout this school year we will be able to evaluate our experience with this program and hopefully our experiences will mirror the success that the Archdiocese of New Orleans has reported during its four years of having access to the state sponsored scholarship/voucher program. I take this opportunity to praise, congratulate and thank all members of our Catholic schools’ family and community: students, parents, alumni, administrators at the diocesan and local level, teachers, staff, board, home and school association members, benefactors and volunteers. Through prayer, diligence and effort, let’s make the 20122013 school year our best ever! Best regards, grace, peace, blessings and prayers for you all.

From The Bishop

Bishop Robert W. Muench

Saint Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School

One-toOne iPad Program

Orientation is Aug 8

14520 Voss Drive • Hammond • 985.542.7662 www.stafalcons.org Admits qualified students regardless of race, color, sex, or national origin.

July 11, 2012

Bishop Muench announces high school chaplains Bishop Robert W. Muench has announced the names of the priests who will serve as chaplains in the eight high schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge during the 2012-2013 academic year. Ascension Catholic: Father Christopher J. Decker Father Paul Yi Catholic High School: Father Matthew C. Dupré Brother Ray Hebert SC Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée: Monsignor Robert H. Berggreen Father Greg J. Daigle Redemptorist Diocesan Regional High School: Father Marcel E. Okwara CSsR Father Derrick J. Weingartner SJ St. John Interparochial High School: Father Cleo J. Milano St. Joseph’s Academy: Father Nicholas J. Nutter III St. Michael the Archangel Diocesan High School: Father C. Todd Lloyd Father Gerard R. Martin St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School: Father John Boll OP Father Randy M. Cuevas

St. George Catholic School Living our Faith  Excelling academically

St. George Catholic School is a Christ-centered, family-oriented community, with a history and tradition of excellence. Gospel values are integrated with academics within a progressive curriculum, promoting faith development through liturgy, prayer, and service. Nationally accredited by AdvancEd (SACS).

† Developmental Kindergarten - 8th Grade † Qualified, Caring Faculty † Before & After School Care † Intramural, CYO & CSAL Athletic Programs † Gospel values with weekly school Mass † Progressive curriculum that integrates faith & Academics † Activity classes include Spanish, Robotics, Drama, Math Enrichment and more † 52 year history of academic excellence

Join us for the 2012-13 school year

7880 St. George Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70809 (225) 293-1298 www.st-george.org Mr. Jack Nelson, Principal Rev. Michael Schatzle, Pastor

July 11, 2012

appy New Year! is proclaimed each January as people reflect on the past and look forward to the future. While resolutions are noble, many of us are less than successful in accomplishing the intentions we make in January. Schools are blessed to celebrate a new year each fall when students return from summer break, and schools make resolutions for improvement. Unlike the individual resolutions that so many people make and break in January, the resolutions for improvement made in Catholic schools are based on solid knowledge about teaching and learning along with the data received about student accomplishment from various sources. Such commitment to improvement is what makes Catholic schools consistently excellent, as they fulfill the vision of Evangelizing Hearts, Educating Minds and Embracing the Future. Catholic identity continues to be strong in the Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic schools. The Assessment of Catechesis and Religious Education (ACRE) indicates that students in the Diocese of Baton Rouge score above the national norm in all eight domains in all grades tested. Likewise,

high schools worked together with the Catholic Schools Office and the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis to map the curriculum with the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops’ Framework for Religious Instruction. Service performed by students in Catholic schools is amazing, and many students reflect on the service component of their Catholic education as the most life-changing experience of their lives. The focus and intent is obvious: Catholic schools Evangelize Hearts. Academic excellence can be seen in various ways, including classroom assessment, performance assessment and standardized testing. Terra Nova Testing results for elementary and middle school students in the diocese indicate exceptional performance and outstanding growth, particularly in the subject of mathematics. With programs such as First in Math for grades three through five, robotics for middle school students and solid science instruction in high school courses, the Diocese of Baton Rouge schools are taking steps toward excellence in preparing students for a technical world. The American College Testing (ACT) results over the past five years reflect a positive trend in the

From The Superintendent Dr. Melanie B. Verges

St. Louis King of France Catholic School


3B9

Celebrate a Happy New Year in Catholic schools Diocese of Baton Rouge in increased college readiness in English, mathematics, reading and science. Likewise, the Diocese of Baton Rouge ACT results are above both national and state averages. Academic education is solid: Catholic schools Educate Minds. Utilizing the Rigor, Relevance & Relationship Program within the National Accreditation Quality Assurance Guidelines, Catholic schools in the diocese continually strive for improvement. Teachers and administrators participate in professional development focused on the areas of need and the feedback from workshops and conferences, as well as the statistics from the online supervision program, indicate that educators welcome the opportunity for improving their work. Additionally, advisory

board members on both the diocesan level and the local school level have increased their involvement in supporting schools with plans for financial stability. Collaborative planning is systemic: Catholic schools Embrace the Future. As we say “goodbye” to the old year and say “hello” to the new school year, we are grateful for the leadership of Bishop Robert W. Muench, who supports and celebrates the work of our schools and to pastors and priests in our diocese, who nurture the ministry of education within their church parishes. With our reliance on the Holy Spirit, great things will continue in the ministry, giving us much to celebrate as we reflect on the past year and celebrate a Happy New Year in Catholic schools!

ST. MARK HALL DEDICATION – The administration building at St. George School has been named St. Mark Hall in honor of the school’s first principal, Sister Mary Mark (Mary Ann) Farris CSJ. Taking part in the dedication are, from left, Father Jeff Bayhi, a nephew of Sister Mark, and two of her brothers, George Farris and Anthony (Tinker) Farris. Photo by Laura Deavers | The Catholic Commentator

Your child's education... We take it PERSONALLY. Call today for your PERSONAL tour. LIMITED OPENINGS

225-273-3932

2311 N. Sherwood Forest Baton Rouge, LA 70815

Wel c

H

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

ack Teache B e rs! m o Schedule your upcoming field trips for Monday through Wednesday and receive an additional

10% Off

our already discounted weekday school rates! (with mention of this ad)

1-800-356-6831

Discount applies to field trips that take place Monday through Wednesday. Must mention this ad when requesting a quote.

www.CalcoHotard.com

4B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

July 11, 2012

Four schools have new principals this year By Laura Deavers Editor Four schools in the Diocese of Baton Rouge will have new principals this academic year. These four leaders have much in common while also being very different. Two are men. One woman has been in education for decades; one man has been in education for 10 years. One has lived in this area all of her life, one is coming back home, while a third has moved across country to accept a new challenge. Meet these four new principals.

Jack Nelson

It could have been serendipity or Divine Providence, but either way, Jack Nelson and his wife Michelle had no idea that when they saw the St. George Church and School campus at the intersection of Siegen Lane and I-10 a year ago they would move to Baton Rouge so he could become the principal of the 52-year-old school for the 2012-2013 school year. The Nelsons had been to Nashville to move their oldest child, Katie, there so she could be a nurse at the Vanderbilt medical complex. The parents drove to New Orleans to attend the National Catholic

tion from City University, Renton, Wash. Educational AssociaHis bachelor’s degree in communication tion convention. On studies, with a minor in biology, is from their way back to their the Cheney, Wash., campus of Eastern home in the state of Washington University. Washington, they exWhen asked why he wanted to move ited the highway at the Siegen Lane exit to put his family across country to become prinfuel in their car and Nelson cipal of a Catholic school in Louisiana, get something to eat. Nelson said he wanted to take on the chal“We were so surprised to see this big lenge of leading a really large school and sign for St. George Church and School and was intrigued by the opportunity. He is that the campus was so big and nice,” Jack also anticipating being in an area that is Nelson commented, noting that where so very Catholic, coming from Washingthey lived in Washington this was uncom- ton, which he describes as “the most unmon. churched area in this country.” For the past six years, Jack Nelson was “I am looking forward to being in a principal at St. Michael School in Olym- community that shares the same values The Catholic pia, the state capital, where the enroll-Commentator and faith” that he and his family have. ment was 270 students in kindergarten The Nelsons have two more children: Back To School Issue through eighth grade. He was also prin- Conner, who graduated from high school 1/4 V - 4 3/4 x 6.5 cipal at All Saints Elementary School, a this spring and plans to enter LSU next Due Date: July spring, 3, 2012 pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade and Emily, 12, who will be in sevschool in Puyallup and Fife, Wash., with enth grade St. George Publication Date: Julyat11, 2012this year. an enrollment of 400 on two separate Nelson sees himself as a servant leadcampuses. Prior to that he taught sixth er, “I am here to serve.” He plans to do grade at two Catholic schools over a span this by having an open door for those who need to see him and by collaborating with of five years. Jack Nelson has a master’s of educa- the members of the administrative staff, tion degree with an emphasis on educa- faculty and parents. “I don’t have all of the answers,” the tional leadership and principal certifica-

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

principal stated matter-of-factly. He added that he thinks it would be silly of him to not use the resources he has access to, especially the people he will be working with. Nelson said when he read the book, “Living Your Strengths,” he learned his five strengths are: Ideation: He looks at things or ideas that are unrelated and see ways that they can be brought together. Developer: He sees the potential in people and helps them reach this potential. Relator: He gets along with people who have different communication styles. Connectedness: He connects the past with the present, celebrating tradition and how it leads to the future. Belief: He has a strong set of core values that help him make necessary decisions. From the first interview with Nelson, which was conducted by Skype since the candidate for principal was in Washington, Father Michael Schatzle, St. George pastor, said he was impressed. The search committee brought Nelson to Baton Rouge for the second interview, “because SEE PRINCIPALS PAGE 5B

Our Lady of Mercy School

Thirty-two years of teaching Gospel values through prayer, discipline, service to others, and encouraging academic excellence.

Prayer “Be it known to all who enter here that Christ is the reason for our school, the unseen but ever present teacher in its classes, the mold of its faculty and the inspiration of its students.” • Comprehensive K - 8 program • Extended Day Care available • Non-discriminatory admissions policy

www.mbsbr.org

8033 Baringer Road • Baton Rouge, LA 70817 • 225-751-0273



Knowledge



Service

www.olomschool.org 400 Marquette Avenue  Baton Rouge, LA (225) 924-1054 Our Lady of Mercy School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin.

July 11, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

PRINCIPALS FROM PAGE 4B we were so pleased,” Father Schatzle said. “He is dedicated to Catholic education. His faith is very strong as is his love of education. His personality is so down to earth that it is comfortable to be around him.” Cherie Gio, who has been hired as an assistant principal at St. George, said of her new boss, “He is very humble.” The former assistant principal at Our Lady of Mercy School, where she also taught for six years, referred to a homily she had just heard that was given by Father Schatzle as a way to describe what she knows about the new St. George principal. In the homily, Father Schatzle spoke of the beatitudes and humility. A person who is truly humble knows how to take the gifts given by God and use them to build a better world. “Life is to be interesting,” said the new St. George principal. “Let’s go for it.”

Paula Fabre

“I am so excited! I love it, I love it, I love it!” This is the way Paula K. Fabre describes her new position as principal of St. Francis Xavier School. This veteran educator has four decades of personal experience to bring to this new chapter in her life and to prepare her for the challenges and excitement that await her. Two years ago, Fabre retired from the East Baton Rouge Parish School System after 38 years. She said for the first year she relaxed, “but I have so much energy that last year I began do-

ing scholastic audits for the Arkansas Department of Education.” Over the years of her employment Fabre in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, Fabre served as an assistant superintendent and supervised the instructional services of 26 elementary schools, directed equal educational opportunities while monitoring the agreement of the consent decree, coordinated human resources support programs, was an elementary school principal for nine years, an assistant principal for a year and taught for 13 years. A product of Catholic education, Fabre talked about attending the now closed St. Augustine School in New Roads and being taught by the Sisters of Holy Cross, who she refers to as “exceptional educators.” Fabre’s love of learning was instilled and nurtured by her parents, Cliff and Ruth Fabre. “My parents had the attitude of when you go to college, not if you go. They wanted their children to be well educated,” she said. “My parents would get school books for the next year so that we could have them over the summer. We were avid readers; we had books all the time and read all the time. We wanted to read; we wanted to make a difference and enjoyed learning.” Her parents also played classical music records in their home. Fabre started her college years at the University of Southwest Louisiana, now University

St. Jude

of Louisiana – Lafayette, studying to be a social worker. She knew she was supposed to be a teacher because of the joy she found when she switched her major to education. She completed her studies at Southern University, receiving a BA and master’s degrees in elementary education. She also achieved her administration and supervision certification at Southern. “I am a workaholic,” Fabre stated without apology. “God has blessed me tremendously.” And so, this women, whose son refers to as the busiest retired person he knows, wants to do all she can to educate children. “Every child should be able to be what he or she wants to be, based on what we give them as an education,” Fabre explained. Children can select their future and they must be educated so that they can make that selection. “What we need to give them is a complete education.” “Parents send us their best child,” Fabre stated, meaning that every child is the best that he/she can be. “We have to do our best for that child. There are no excuses.” She believes children should be taught through modeling – teaching children what they need to know and how to live their lives by the way the adults SEE PRINCIPALS PAGE 6B


See this and past issues on the web at thecatholiccommentator.org.

12424 Brogdon Lane • Baton Rouge, LA

Structure Academic Curriculum Music and Art Classes Spots Available in 3K, 4K & Kindergarten Prep Call for a Tour 225-752-3898

Serving grades PK3 thru 8th 2590 Louisiana Hwy. 44 • Paulina, LA 70763 225-869-5778 • www.stpchanel.org

Academic Excellence in a “Christ Centered” Environment EA/EI Catholic School Partnership

the Apostle School

St. John Primary and St. Theresa School operate under a non-discriminatory policy which admits students of any race to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded to or made available to students of this school and further makes no discrimination on the basis of race in administration of educational policies, application for admission, scholarship programs, financial aid programs, and athletic and extracurricular programs.

www.stjudebr.org 9150 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70810 225-769-2344

Serving Nine Parishes • St. Theresa, Gonzales • St. Mark, Gonzales • St. John, Prairieville • St. Anthony, Darrow • St. Anne, Sorrento • Holy Rosary, St. Amant • St. Gabriel, St. Gabriel • St. Stephen, Maurepas • St. Joseph, French Settlement

Pre-K thru 8th Grade

Faith • Academics • Excellence

A Gift for Life

5B9

St. John Primary 37407 Duplessis Road Prairieville, LA 70769 225-677-8238

St. Theresa Middle 212 E. New River St. Gonzales, LA 70737 225-647-2803

6B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

School news is always welcomed. Send to [email protected].

Ascension cAtholic DiocesAnDonaldsonville, RegionAl school LA (225) 473-9227 or (225) 473-8540

PK3-12

A Catholic Christian Community Preparing Students for a Life as Disciples of Christ. A Fully Accredited Institution –Religious Education –Academic Excellence –Quality Extra-Curricular Programs We are a nondiscriminatory school in accordance with Title IX of the Civil Right’s Act of 1964.

PRINCIPALS FROM PAGE 5B in the children’s life live. On the first day of school, the new St. Francis principal will let all of the students know that they have an A in every subject with the message, “You have to work to maintain it.” Many parents and guardians of public school children in failing schools in East Baton Rouge Parish are applying to St. Francis Xavier School to take advantage of the state’s scholarship program. Fabre said she is looking forward to all of the children who will be attending her school. “There will be no distinction between the children” in the classroom, among the students or the faculty, Fabre reassured. She described her leadership style as facilitative – getting ideas from others about the best

Redemptorist Schools of Baton Rouge

REDEMPTORIST HIGH SCHOOL

Redemptorist High School (7th grade - 12th grade) 4000 St. Gerard Avenue Baton Rouge, LA 70805 225-357-0936 www.rhsbr.org

Join the tradition...

Build the future

We invite you to spend a day on campus in our popular “shadow” program. Contact Admission Coordinator Tarra Ferguson at 225-357-0936 x240 to set up your visit:



Explore how our Family Spirit, Academic Excellence, Spiritual Formation, Athletic Tradition, and Broad Diversity have transformed lives to transform the world.



Find your place in our community, and you can say proudly, “I am Redemptorist!” For families with dyslexic children: For decades the heralded STAR Dyslexic Lab has helped dyslexic students find academic success in a Catholic School setting. Redemptorist High School pursues academic excellence, inspires lifelong learning, builds community, and deepens spirituality in a Catholic environment.

July 11, 2012 way to approach and solve a situation. “I still have to do the job, I am still responsible for what happens. But it is not a sense of you have to do this. It is all about how we live life and treat others every day.” A member of St. Francis Xavier Church, Fabre believes the location of her church and school are valuable to the community and she is looking forward to being involved in the community. She also anticipates the learning opportunities that will be available this year, including putting in a community garden for the students. She will introduce the students to learning from a first person point of view. “The students tell stories about what they have learned in the first person, which makes a big difference for the children.” Other plans include pairing teachers in third and fourth grade, in fifth and sixth grade and in seventh and eighth grade. One teacher will teach language arts and social studies, and the other teacher will provide math and science lessons. The principal explained that the teachers will save time because they do not have to prepare for as many subjects. The students will benefit because the teachers will be encouraged to move students ahead if they are ready and to provide more remedial lessons for the students who are having difficulty. “All of the boys and girls have an equal opportunity to excel,” Fabre stated. “They have to learn math and science to compete in today’s changing job market and the global community. The world is so different.” With her attitude that the biggest room is the room for improvement, Fabre will be able to help her students adapt to that changing world. “Our Catholic values will be taught in the classrooms. We openly profess our faith while we are teaching. St. Francis Xavier School is blessed with a Catholic outlook,” said Fabre, whose double first cousin is New Orleans Auxiliary Bishop Sheldon Fabre, who was a priest in the Diocese of Baton Rouge for many years.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Andereck

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Andereck will be principal of Redemptorist High School this year. A product of Catholic education, she attended 12 years of Catholic elementary and high school and has been a Catholic school principal for 18 years.

T houg h she grew up in Memphis and has lived in Mississippi for 12 years, Andereck is no stranger to Baton Rouge. Andereck She received a BS in elementary education in 1976 from LSU and taught at Holy Family School for a year and a half in 1977. One of her sons is a graduate of LSU and lives in the city while her younger son will be a freshman at LSU this fall. “My educational career has been focused on Catholic schools, starting at Holy Family School upon graduation from college, and then to Memphis as principal for 10 years,” said Andereck of her interest in being a principal in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. “In Memphis, I was the principal of the elementary school at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and was successful in opening a yearround preschool and developing a partnership with Fed Ex for our junior high.” While principal at Immaculate Conception, she was able to operate the school without a subsidy from the church parish, increase enrollment and keep tuition affordable, she reported. Andereck received her master’s degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind., in international and comparative education with a specialization in Latin American education. She earned a doctoral degree in educational curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University, with a focus on ethnic and minority groups and has done post-doctoral work in educational administration and supervision at the University of Memphis. Andereck is coming to Baton Rouge from Hattiesburg, where she has been employed at the University of Southern Mississippi, William Carey University and Sacred Heart School, where she was principal. This past year she has been a visiting assistant professor at USM in the department of educational leadership and school counseling, coordinator of the master’s program and supervisor of the on-line and hybrid administrative internship practicums. She was an assistant professor at William Carey University in the college of education. Being at USM and WCC “has SEE PRINCIPALS PAGE 7B

July 11, 2012

PRINCIPALS FROM PAGE 6B provided much needed time for me to re-connect with research in the field of curriculum and instruction and administration,” said Andereck. “As a university professor in educational leadership at USM, I coordinated the master’s program in educational leadership for those wanting to be future principals,” Andereck stated. During her eight years as principal at Sacred Heart, she was able to reopen the high school after 40 years of it being closed. Enrollment increased from 300 to 560 students. “I focused on marketing the quality of Catholic education found in our schools and as a result, Sacred Heart School rebuilt its reputation as a top-notch educational program with the mission to teach, preach and make holy the children under our care in the tradition of the Catholic Church,” Andereck stated. She said she looks forward to being in Baton Rouge because she misses Louisiana and being in a Catholic school setting. “I believe I work well with all stakeholders in Catholic schools.” Brian Moscona Our Lady of Mercy’s new principal, Brian Moscona, is truly a product of Catholic education. Upon completion of the seventh grade at Most Blessed Sacrament School he became an eighth grader at Catholic High School. When he graduated from CHS, he attended University of Notre Dame, where he has received

BACK-TO-SCHOOL three degrees: a bachelor’s in marketing; a master’s in education, through the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE); and a master’s of arts in theology. “My parents implanted in me how important Catholic education is,” said Moscona, who is looking forward to instilling this in the students at Our Lady of Mercy School. While he was a student at CHS, Moscona knew he wanted to be a teacher, but University of Notre Dame does not offer a bachelor’s in education, so he majored in business with the idea that he would have a career in public service or as a politician. But when offered the opportunity to become an ACE teacher, he followed that road to South Central Los Angeles and taught in an elementary school. His idea of living a “Hollywood life style” quickly ended when he realized the poverty of the area where his school, St. Gertrude and St. Dominic Savio Elementary, was located. “Teaching was the most difficult thing I have ever done,” Moscona remembers thinking. His life became all about the children and not at all about himself. After his first year as an ACE teacher, he had to be convinced to go back for the second year of his commitment to complete his master’s degree in education. “That second year transformed me,” said Moscona, and helped him understand how much he wanted to be a teacher. “I loved the kids and learned so much from them. I grew as an educator.”

Bec ause Salesian Sisters staffed St. Gertrude, Moscona learned about the education philosophy of the order’s founder, Moscona St. John Bosco. Moscona began to wonder if God was calling him to be a priest. When he completed his years as an ACE teacher, he moved into a house of discernment with the Holy Cross priests who staff the University of Notre Dame. Through prayer, the young man realized God was calling him to a life where he could share his love with a wife and their children. It was at that time that a college friend told him about a school in Atlanta where he was teaching and that the school was looking for teachers. Moscona was hired as a fourth-grade teacher at Holy Spirit Preparatory School in 2006. When he reported for the beginning of the school year, Moscona said the principal told him some things had changed and he would be teaching first grade. Apprehensive about teaching children that young, he asked if the children could go to the bathroom by themselves, if they

The Catholic Commentator could read and if there would be time for a nap in the afternoon. Yes, the students could go to the bathroom alone and they could read, but there would be no time for naps. “Two out of three requests wasn’t bad, so after prayer and reflection, I said I was in,” Moscona chuckled. “I loved teaching first grade. And, it confirmed my desire to be a dad.” Because of his course work in theology and philosophy at Notre Dame, the second semester Moscona was asked to teach religion to older students at the school’s campus in the afternoon. Moscona’s high energy personality led him to start many new programs at the Atlanta school, including class retreats and athletic teams. “I fell in love with the kids. I

7B9

found myself hanging on every word they said.” Moscona added that shaping the students and watching them grow into the people God wants them to be did not seem like work for him. For the past two years Moscona has been assistant principal at Holy Spirit Preparatory School where he was responsible for all of the extracurricular activities, student life, character formation, athletics for the lower grades and professional development for the faculty. Moscona is engaged to be married. Since his fiance is from Lafayette, the couple decided they wanted to begin their family near their families and so he was happy when he learned in the spring that Our Lady of Mercy was looking for a new principal, and even happier when he was offered the position.

Holy GHost CatHoliC sCHool “Building God’s Kingdom: Every Child, Every Day, In God’s Way” 507 North Oak Street Hammond, LA 70401 Phone: (985) 345-0977 www.hgschool.org Catholic schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies.

Catholic High School

Building the Kingdom of God

118 Years of Excellence in Education 225-344-4100 355 N. Jefferson Ave., Port Allen, La. www.holyfamilyschool.com

855 Hearthstone Drive • Baton Rouge, LA. 70806 • (225) 383-0397 • Fax: (225) 383-0381 • www.catholichigh.org

8B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

July 11, 2012

OLOM students learning how to imitate Christ

Our Lady of Mercy School sixth-grade students from left, Lizzie Bowie, Cadon Ardoin, Isabella Canova and Nicholas Major, front, sort some of the over 3,300 non-perishable items donated for the Christmas food baskets Our Lady of Mercy Church put together. Photos provided by Mari Buzbee | Our Lady of Mercy School

Brighter School Supply Shopping • Great Selection • Competitive Pricing • Hassle Free

“In Imitation of Christ” is the theme for Our Lady of Mercy’s upcoming academic year. The idea of the students imitating Christ renews the school’s commitment to service awareness and opportunities for expressing their Catholic idenity in the community. OLOM students will learn how to live “In Imitation of Christ” by studying about people who have lived exceptional lives of holiness, said Brian Moscona, Our Lady of Mercy principal. “The life of a different saint will be studied each month, which will reinforce the ideals of living a life centered on Gospel values.” St. Rose of Lima, St. Jerome, St. Jude, St. Cecilia, St. Francis Xavier, St. John Bosco, St. Agatha, St. Katherine Drexel, St. John the Baptist and St. Rita will be the 10 examples of holiness that the students will study this year. Along with the lives of these saints, students will examine the virtues of joy, wisdom, hope, faith, humility, understanding, modesty, justice, fortitude and charity. “Faith, academics and character formation are fundamental elements upon which the Our

.

7643 Florida Blvd. • Baton Rouge, LA 70806 225-927-1110 • fax 225-927-3085 www.losco.com • [email protected] Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

$

5 Off

Entire In-Store Purchase of $50 or more! Offer Good thru August 31, 2012!

Louisiana Office Supply •7643 Florida Blvd. • Baton Rouge, LA 70806 phone 225-927-1110 • fax 225-927-3085

Lady of Mercy School student experience is developed, and implementation of programs addressing those elements assures continued growth in these areas,” said Moscona. Each school year, all OLOM students have the opportunity to be involved in charitable works at their school and church parish. Last school year, students collected non-perishable food items for the Christmas food baskets that Our Lady of Mercy Church put together; money and medicine for the “Fill a Prescription for the Needy” program sponsored by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; and money for the Rice Bowl program sponsored by Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge. Mary’s Club, which is for girls in second- through fourth-grade, participated in projects that involved work with the Louisiana School for the Deaf, Parker House and the tornado victims of Holy Spirit School in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Fourth-grade students visited St. Clare Manor Nursing Home regularly throughout the year to share creative activities and speSEE OLOM PAGE 9B

July 11, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL


OLOM: Program to teach students about how to imitate Christ I Am?” This service program prepares students for the sacrament of confirmation, which they will receive in high school, and instills in them an awareness of recognizing Jesus in everyone — the poor, homeless, elderly and imprisoned. These students participated in service days and spent time doing work for Catholic Charities, St. Vincent DePaul, St. Clare Manor and Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital. “As Catholic educators we are in the soul saving business,” Moscona said. “Activities planned for the upcoming school year support that philosophy. They are organized to provide opportunities that engage students in new experiences while creating an awareness of other’s needs. Opportunities continually develop, and by model, nurture the compassionate spirits of generations to follow.”

Our Lady of Mercy School Mary’s Club members, from left, Emily DeSoto, Sydney DeSoto, Lily Guidry and Kate Uffman display Christmas stockings they filled for Parker House. FROM PAGE 8B cial time with the residents. Fifth- and sixth-graders visited the Adoration Chapel at Our Lady of Mercy Church and in-

corporated reflective prayer into their service missions. Seventh- and eighth-grade students were introduced to the program “Who Do You Say That

See this and all special sections on the web at thecatholiccommentator.org.

You ARE What You Eat?! Child Nutrition Program

CATHOLIC OF POINTE COUPEE ESTABLISHED 1904

St. Elizabeth Interparochial School Paincourtville, La. 985-369-7402 www.sescubs.com Serving area children since 1876

“A Catholic Christian Family devoted to spiritual growth and academic excellence in a caring and safe environment.”

Serving Grades PreK3-8th

*Fully Accredited *Daily Religious Instruction *Dedicated Staff * Athletic Program *Family Oriented Environment *Computer Classes including Lap Top Lab K-8 St. Elizabeth School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin.

9B9

PK3 - 12th Grade New Roads, LA 225-638-9313

One Family, One Vision in Christ

10B

The Catholic Commentator | July 11, 2012 July 11, 2012 | The Catholic Commentator

Reid Travis of St. Thomas Aquinas participates in power lifting.

Rainey Carville, in black, plays tennis for St. Michael the Archangel.

Rosalie Landry of Ascension Catholic is a state champion power lifter.

Sally Robichaux, from left, Mallory Mire, MaggieWilkins and Maria Palermo are members of the St. Joseph’s Academy swim team.

WHAT A SPORT! L

Christopher Bordelon kicks the ball during a Catholic High School soccer match.

Move over football, basketball, volleyball and track

ocal high schools are seeing a growing popularity in the so-called “minor” sports. Golf, bowling, lacrosse, swimming, tennis, soccer, cross country and even power lifting are coming into their own. For instance, Rosalie Landry, a student at Ascension Catholic Regional High School, was named overall state champion in women’s power lifting. Cameron Andry of St. Michael the Archangel recently won the Boy’s 16s Singles Division tennis title.

teach students valuable lessons that they carry into life. Dedication, commitment and overcoming adversity are some of the values an athlete learns, whether he or she

participates in a team sport or an individual sport. “The more kids we have involved in sports, the better it is for them, the school and everybody concerned,” Moreau said.

“Just because it may not get as much press as some sports, every sport – whether it is tennis, cross country or golf – is important.” Pete Boudreaux

Catholic High School Track and Cross Country Coach “We’re seeing more new athletic programs coming into our schools,” said Pete Boudreaux, track and cross country coach at Catholic High School. “For so many students, these sports are their passion. We don’t call them minor sports here at Catholic High,” he added. Boudreaux sees it as the job of the schools to give students “every opportunity to excel and enjoy their sport. Just because it may not get as much press as some sports, every sport – whether it is tennis, cross country or golf – is important.” Ascension Catholic Athletic Director and Football Coach Doug Moreau said just about every student in his school is able to participate in athletics because of the wide diversity of sports offered. He said athletics can Tucker Landry, a student at Ascension Catholic, plans a shot in the state golf tournament. All photos provided by respective schools.

11B

Catholic High students Grant Langley, No. 22, and Michael Dubreuil play lacrosse.

12B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

July 11, 2012

Program to teach Sacred Heart students about art, history of church Sacred Heart of Jesus School is launching a new interdisciplinary academic program this school year that will utilize religion, art and music to educate the students on the history, art and architecture of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Baton Rouge. Everyone who enters Sacred Heart Church notices the large painting of Jesus in the ceiling above the altar in the sanctuary because of the size and prominence of the painting. Every Wednesday during the academic year, the Sacred Heart School family gathers in their church for prayer. As this spiritual practice continues this school year students will know that the mural on the ceiling, which is “Christ in Triumph,” measures 36 feet from the tip of one of Jesus’s hands to the fingertip of the other. They will also know that the translation of the Latin phrase below the mural is, “You are our victorious King, Heart of Jesus, have mercy.” Students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade will be led on guided age-appropriate tours of the interior and exterior of the 70-year old church, learning about the architects and artists who created this place of worship. They will learn the history of the church and the symbolism incorporated into the physical design of the

building. The murals, stained glass, paintings and sculptures that adorn the church will be examined and studied. Each student will receive a coloring book featuring many aspects of the church that has been created with original pen and ink drawings by Sacred Heart parishioner and archivist Mary Lee Eggart. The drawings were originally used in the 1970s and 1980s as covers for the weekly Sacred Heart Church bulletins. Eggart is also the author of “A Guide to the Art and Architecture of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church.” Sacred Heart School religion coordinator Marylyn Dietz is spearheading the interdisciplinary project. “Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Parish is blessed with a church rich in history and physical beauty,” said Dietz. “It’s important that we share this with our students.” Eggart agreed with Dietz, and noted, “The early (Sacred Heart) parishioners left our parish a campus filled with exceptional art and architecture. Sharing this with our students teaches them important history and art lessons, and, more importantly, it keeps the memory of the early parishioners alive. Their spirit, dedication and generosity are the ultimate example of true commitment to a parish family.” Art teacher Dorothy Calandro will work

Sacred Heart of Jesus students Madelyn Canezaro, from left, C.J. Jackson and Cindy Xu take a break from Sacred Heart Summer Camp to check out the new Sacred Heart of Jesus Church coloring books. When school opens next month Canezaro and Jackson will be in third grade and Xu will be in fourth grade. Photo by Lisa Black Cossé | Sacred Heart of Jesus School with students at all grade levels to create reproductions of the art found in the church, including stained glass replicas, Play-Doh sculptures and mosaic murals. Older students will be able to photograph their favorite church artwork. As students study the physical church, they will examine how the people of God reflect faith as a community. Music teacher Melissa Seidule will lead the students as they participate in prayer through songs that reflect that theme. Students will sing these songs at morning assembly during the week of church tours, and the songs

will be used throughout the school year at the weekly school liturgies. Religion teachers will lead students in discussions on what they have learned about the church. Some classes will write essays about the church, while others will work on prayers inspired by the artwork. “Mary’s (Eggart) book points out that ‘the Church knew that the beauty of art lifts the heart and mind toward God and things of the spirit,’ ” said Dietz. “It is our hope that this program will inspire the school community as they praise and worship together at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.”

St. Aloysius Catholic School Established 1956 Educating the whole child in the Catholic tradition for a life of meaning and purpose

2025 Stuart Avenue

www.aloysius.org

Baton Rouge, LA 70808

(225)383-3871

July 11, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL


iPads replace text books at St. Thomas Aquinas High School By Barbara Chenevert Staff Writer St. Thomas Aquinas High School junior Madison Chauvin is looking forward to the opening of school because this year she won’t have to carry a book bag of heavy textbooks. St. Thomas will be using the 1:1 iPad program (pronounced one-to-one) where each of the 380 students and all the teachers will have individual iPads. “It’s a different way of thinking about teaching,” said technology director Josh Wittie. The iPads will also allow teachers to be more creative in their assignments and students to be more creative in their lessons, he said. The individual iPads are made available through a $350 per year technology fee paid by the students. The iPads are leased from Apple Inc. for three years with an option to buy. Teachers can walk around their classroom with the iPads in hand and send the lesson to the projector, he said. At the same time, a student can be called on to display his/her work on the projector also using the student’s iPad. “When you put the same device with the same hardware in everybody’s hands, it allows for more creative imaging and more media rich content,” Wittie said. “I am excited about the pro-

gram because of the variety of effects it will have on everyone at STA,” Chauvin said. “Academically, the iPads will allow for greater interaction between the faculty and students. Everyone has been researching new and exciting applications for us to utilize in each subject that will enhance our learning environment.” “An added bonus is not having to carry heavy, cumbersome textbooks! Everything will conveniently be in one place,” she added. Teachers were required to attend an orientation program on the use of the iPad in mid June, and every student will have to attend a learning session before the school year begins in early August. The students will be taught how to use the iPad as well as acceptable use of the computer. Students will not be able to access Facebook or other social networking systems while at school because the school’s own firewall will block them, Wittie said. When they get home, it will be the parent’s responsibility to oversee the use of the iPad, Wittie said. Students cannot add apps or download music without permission of the school, he added. Chauvin said she also believes the iPad program will help teach students personal responsibility.

St. Thomas Aquinas faculty members, from left, Jamie Flanagan, Kay Gersch, Harper Mumford and Shannon Resweber attend a workshop to train them on use of the iPad. Students and teachers at the Hammond school will be using individual iPads when school opens in August. Photo provided by St. Thomas Aquinas

13B9

This section can be found on the web at thecatholiccommentator.org,

Wittie said after researching computer options, he found the iPad was less expensive and required less maintenance than some laptops. St. Thomas is still contractually bound to purchase textbooks, but for the most part, publishers have their textbooks iPad ready so they can be downloaded. Those that do not, they have allowed the content to be scanned in PDF format and placed on the iPad.

Special Section, Back-to-School 2012.

Enrolling now for 2012 -13

Limited Openings • Academic Enhancement Program Low Teacher/Pupil Ratio • Computer Classes/All Grades • After School Care Convenient to Downtown • Strong Parental Involvement • Extra Curricular Activities • Grades PreK-8th • Early Learning Center for ages 1 to 4 years

St. Francis Xavier School Paula Fabre, Principal

1150 South 12th Street, Baton Rouge • 225-387-6639 FAX 225-3831215 • Early Learning Center 225-387-4877

Child Nutrition Program Diocese of Baton Rouge P.O.Box 66578, Baton Rouge, LA 70896 Phone: 225-387-6421 • Fax: 225-387-1413 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.cnpbr.org

Welcome back! The Diocese of Baton Rouge Child Nutrition Program (CNP) provides students with affordable, nutritious, freshly cooked, and good tasting meals. Students are served meals in accordance with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Nutrient Standard Menu Planning protocol, which requires analysis of all meals to meet the dietary and nutritional guidelines established for each age/grade group. We continue to educate our students on making healthy choices by packing the serving line with nutrient-rich foods that are ready to eat: colorful fruits and cut-up fresh vegetables; low-fat plain and flavored milk, cheese and yogurt; and whole-grain snacks. The Child Nutrition Program continually strives for improvement and growth in service to the families in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. We will work in partnership this year with the USDA and state agencies, following the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 in implementing the new standards for school meals that will result in healthier meals for students. The new meal requirements will raise standards for the first time in more than fifteen years and improve the health and nutrition of nearly 32 million students across the nation every school day. The Child Nutrition Program has already implemented many of these changes over the past several years by actions such as offering salads and more fresh fruits and vegetables. The new standards make the same kinds of practical changes that many parents are already encouraging at home, including: •Ensuring students are offered both fruits and vegetables every day of the week; •Substantially increasing offerings of whole grain-rich foods; •Offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties; •Limiting calories based on the age of

children being served to ensure proper portion size; •Increasing the focus on reducing the amounts of saturated fat and sodium. Working to help reduce childhood obesity, the CNP is committed to the promotion of healthy eating and active lifestyles in ensuring that students have access to safe, nutritious, and balanced meals.

FEDERAL ELIGIBILITY INCOME CHART FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2012-13 Household Yearly Size 1 $20,665 2 $27,991 3 $35,317 4 $42,643 5 $49,969 6 $57,295 7 $64,621 8 $71,947 Each additional +$7,326 person:

Month Weekly $1,723 $2,333 $2,944 $3,554 $4,165 $4,775 $5,386 $5,996 +$611

$398 $539 $680 $821 $961 $1,102 $1,243 $1,384 +$141

Your children may qualify for free or reduced price meals if your household income falls at or below the limits on chart above. Free and reduced lunch applications are available from each school or you may apply online at: www.cnpbr.org under the “forms” or “meal information” links. Thank you for your continued support of the Child Nutrition Program. We look forward to a wonderful 2012-13 school year in service to families in the Diocese of Baton Rouge! Sincerely, Ms. Lynda Carville Child Nutrition Supervisor

14B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

July 11, 2012

New year brings exciting changes to St. Joseph’s Academy St. Joseph’s Academy begins the 20122013 academic year with two new additions. Jan Rhorer Breen has been named president of the Academy following Sister Adele Lambert’s retirement in June. Breen, a 1969 graduate of SJA, is the first lay president in the school’s 144-year history. The new school year will see the opening of the Academy Arts Center. The 29,000-square foot building will provide a state-of-the-art home to SJA’s visual and performing arts curriculum. Breen previously served as director of communications at Catholic High School, a position she held for 27 years. In January, she began meeting Breen with Sister Adele, the Academy’s administration, department directors and other personnel to ensure a seamless transition. “SJA’s success is a tribute to the charism

of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the outstanding faculty and staff,” Breen said. “Our future is filled with unlimited possibilities as we prepare our young women to be responsible and unifying members of the world community.” The future is especially bright for all those looking forward to the opening of the Academy Arts Center. This addition to the SJA campus features a 50 x 50 x 32-foot black box theater with back-of-house spaces and control booth; a 44 x 40-foot dance studio with sprung wood floor and support areas, including changing rooms and closets; a 44 x 40-foot chorus room along with a music library and practice rooms; two fine arts classrooms; and an art room complete with sinks, kilns, cabinetry and display surface. The opening of the Academy Arts Center is the culmination of a $6 million capital campaign. The Always the Academy capital campaign was launched in 2008 to address the facilities and curriculum needs first identified as part of SJA’s 2003 Master Plan. “In addition to the Academy’s investment in technology to support academics,

The Academy Arts Center will be completed for the start of the 2012-2013 academic year. Photo provided by St. Joseph’s Academy our 2003 Master Plan revealed the need for greater balance between the three pillars of our mission statement: faith development, academic excellence and personal growth,” said SJA principal Linda Fryoux Harvison. “It is our commitment to honor the balance between academics and the arts. We have created an exciting visual and performing arts curriculum as a complement to our strong academic and religious curricula. The arts center will benefit the young women of the Academy by providing wonderful space for their artistic expression and a holistic education.” Post Architects designed and contractor Cangelosi Ward built the facility with an eye to the past. The building’s exterior has a traditional appearance in keeping with the style and materials used on other

campus buildings, including a two-story scale, blonde brick, stucco, repeating arches and columns. Among the special features of the center is its placement on campus to allow for a hub of circulation in the floor plan. A rotunda space of double-height volume with a balcony provides an expansive view of the orchard on the school’s campus. Along the north side of the building, a lobby can also function for art displays. A plaza wraps around the building, blending interior and exterior, providing public entry and outdoor space for multiple functions. While Grace Duhe graduated in May and will not enjoy the new building as a student, she said she awaits its grand SEE SJA PAGE 15B

STATEMENT OF POLICY

Academic Excellence in a Community of Faith

i

ngratulate three o e to co k fo i l uld ith honors this past spring ur alu o w ng w fro m mn i V t J a St S du . a r

g

M

for

ael ich Congratulations, from left, Megan Bernard (3rd place), Meghan Woodard (Valedictorian), and Chase Drause (Salutatorian)

16266 Harrell’s Ferry Road | Baton Rouge, LA 70816 | 225.751.1831 Wendy Gilmore, Principal

www.stjeanvianneyschool.org

Admits qualified students regardless of race, color, sex, or national origin.

The schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. Additionally, in compliance with Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, no person in the schools of the Diocese shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity except as permitted under said Title IX. Finally, the schools of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, have adopted and will implement the imperatives of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act as amended, and will inform parents and students of their rights under this amendment to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The above stated policy applies to the following schools and institutions of the Diocese: Ascension Diocesan Regional School

St. Elizabeth Interparochial School

Catholic High School (Baton Rouge)

St. Francis Xavier School

Catholic Elementary of Pointe Coupee

St. George School

Catholic High of Pointe Coupee

St. Jean Vianney School

Holy Family School

St. John Elementary School

Holy Ghost School

St. John High School

Mater Dolorosa School

St. Joseph School

Most Blessed Sacrament School

St. Joseph’s Academy

Our Lady of Mercy School

St. Jude the Apostle School

Redemptorist Elementary School

St. Louis King of France School

Redemptorist Diocesan Regional High School

St. Michael the Archangel Diocesan Regional High School

Sacred Heart of Jesus School

St. Peter Chanel Interparochial School

Special Education Program

St. Thomas Aquinas Diocesan Regional High School

St. Aloysius School

St. Thomas More School

St. Alphonsus School St. John Primary & St. Theresa Middle School - EA/EI Partnership

July 11, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL


15B9

Holy Family students interested in improving environment Students at Holy Family School are letting their teachers know they are serious about taking care of the environment and doing what they can to use and recycle what they have. Over the past two years, students have organized the R-3 club, which stands for reduce, reuse and recycle. In their effort to help save their environment, the 20 club members recycle items collected weekly – cans from the teachers’ lounge, and milk bottles, plastic bags and drink pouches from the cafeteria. The industrious young people also redeem for cash the pop-tops from aluminum cans. They use the money they make from the pop-tops to purchase books for the school library. Another component of R-3 is education. The middle school students, who are members of R-3, teach the lower level students about the importance of the environment and saving the earth through various programs throughout the year. “The students had the idea for the club and came to us,” said Brenda Fremin, Holy Family School principal as she told about the students approaching their teachers and the school’s leaders about forming this club. “They were so excited about it and have continued with their enthusiasm.” Two Holy Family students, Silver Effler and Abby Hemba, took what they knew about protecting

students and building benches around the campus so the stu-

159 Years of Catholic Education in the Plaquemine Community

Fourth-grade students at Holy Family School are responsible for the raised-bed vegetable gardens where they grew tomatoes, bell peppers and sugar cane along with other season vegetables. Photo by Penny Saia | The Catholic Commentator the environment a step farther in their State Science Fair Project. With a focus on chemistry, the students’ project, “Rub-a-Dub-Dub,” demonstrated the proper method for removing oil from duck feathers and the type of soap that is the most effective. Holy Family students became gardeners this past school year. With the help of parents, school staff and volunteers a school garden was constructed in January. Before the garden was assembled, Miles Brashier, LSU AgCenter agent for the three civil parishes of West Baton Rouge, Iberville and Pointe Coupée, provided advice on how to plan the garden and when plants should be planted. Fourth graders and their teachers Gayle Henderson and Lisa Holcombe are responsible for the garden which is located at the school. The students planted vegetables, fruits and herbs in the spring

SJA : Providing space for performing arts FROM PAGE 14B opening with excitement. “I think the new arts building is a fantastic addition to the school,” she said. “I have a passion for art, and I’m happy to see that it will continue to be taught in a welcoming environment.” Freshman Ada Bankston eagerly anticipates the center’s amenities. “I take ballet, and I’m looking forward to having larger rooms for both changing into costumes and for dancing,” she said. Ashleigh Dowden is SJA’s drama instructor, theatrical production director and moderator of the SJA/Catholic High School Drama Club. “When I imagine what a new theater space would do for my students, I feel overwhelmed with joy,” Dowden said. “This space will say, ‘We value the arts and believe in providing the best learning environment for

dents and faculty can enjoy the improved landscape.

our performing arts students!’ The possibilities that will suddenly open for my students and for me are countless.” Kris Cangelosi is SJA’s dance faculty and director of The Cangelosi Dance Project. “The new SJA art building will support the arts by providing dedicated space on campus to develop, mentor and provide life education for the students enrolled in the arts,” she said. “The professional performing art teachers or working artists in residence already provide knowledge and course development to the students. The new building will supply the operational existence needed for classes and performances to enhance students’ opportunities. When students and visitors come to the art building, they will feel like they walked into the movie Fame.”

for their first harvest. The HFS Home and School Association is completing the first phase of the garden and plans to make further improvements to the campus by constructing rain barrels to collect water for the garden, planting fruit trees, acquiring more garden tools and supplies for the

Preserving the Past Preparing for the Future www.stjohnschool.org St. John Interparochial School, 24250 Regina St., Plaquemine (225) 687-6616

St. Joseph Catholic School Proud of Our Alumni Past (SJS Class of 2008)

Maria Alphonso

Valedictorian St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School 2012

Phillip Ernst

Summa Cum Laude Honors Ponchatoula High School 2012

Jake Lipps


Christie Pevey


ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL

175 North 8th Street • Ponchatoula, LA 985-386-6421• www.sjscrusaders.org

Present (SJS Class of 2012)

Presidential Award of Educational Excellence

Lauren Hebert, Savanna Barrient, Claire Lavastida, Kitch Taylor, Scott Dufreche, Lauren McKneely, Katelyn McKneely

Katelyn McKneely State Literary Rally 1st Place English

St. Joseph Catholic School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

16B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

July 11, 2012

OLOL College faculty share ideas at symposium about Franciscan leadership Faculty and institutional leaders from Our Lady of the Lake College participated in a symposium sponsored by the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU) held at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis. in June. The conference focused on ways Catholic institutions of higher education are called to serve their communities, how campus members can learn more about the needs of the community and how to prepare to lead for the sake of the common good. “I think the AFCU symposium was especially valuable for the ways it showed me that we are part of a community with shared values, purposes, challenges,” explained Dr. Glenn Blalock, OLOL College’s associate vice president for academic and student affairs. Servant leadership was a major subtheme explored during the symposium. This type of management style espouses leading others, not in an authoritative manner, but by building up and serving every individual on the team. While this management philosophy is non-denominational, it has strong parallels within the Franciscan tradition and opens promising possibilities for effective learning and leadership styles in higher education. OLOL College institutional leaders Dr.

Roundtable discussion attended by Dr. Rhoda Reddix, left, and Dr. Phyllis Simpson. Photo by Sister Martha Ann Abshire Rhoda Reddix, coordinator of servicelearning, and Dr. Phyllis Simpson, dean of student services, chaired a round-table discussion called “Empowering Students to be Servant Leaders through ServiceLearning and Civic Engagement Collegiate Experiences.” Simpson said, “We were able to share

examples of the transformative effects of emphasizing the attributes of servant leaders in all of our community outreach projects. And we were able to give concrete examples of some of our recent graduates who are now gainfully employed because of the service experiences they could list on their resumes.”

Everyone from OLOL College who attended the symposium was invited to give a presentation or participate on a panel. Others from OLOL College participating in the symposium were Sister Martha Ann Abshire FMOL, campus minister; Keeley Dupuy, professor of nursing; Dr. Sandra S. Harper, OLOL College president; Dr. Katherine Krieg, dean, School of Arts, Sciences and Health Professions; and Dr. David L. Whidden, professor of religion. This was the largest contingent ever to attend an AFCU conference from OLOL College, and the institution and its students will able to benefit from the concepts about leadership and mission brought back from the weeklong event. “The AFCU symposium was a wonderful experience,” stated Sister Martha Ann. “To have the opportunity to meet and speak with other staff and faculty members of fellow Franciscan institutions was an incredible privilege. It was enlightening to hear new ideas and at the same time an affirming experience to know that here at the college we are also doing great things that others found helpful.” Our Lady of the Lake College is a fouryear institution, providing a strong foundation in the liberal arts, health sciences and nursing programs.

UNIFORMS, TOYS, BACKPACKS AND SO MUCH MORE....

D og d ays o f s ummer S a l e e nd s J uly 3 1

SOCKS 20% off

225-926-5371

BELTS 20% off

7745 Jefferson Hwy Baton Rouge, La. 70809

ALL HAIR ACCESSORIES 20% off

schooltimeuniforms.com

S ch o o l logo s oc ks not i ncl uded Limited time offer. This offer has no cash value and is not redeemable for cash. Not valid on previous purchases or when combined with any other promotions offer.

July 11, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL


17B9

STM campus has new, remodeled buildings When St. Thomas More students return to school Aug. 8, they will have a new “front door” to their campus along with facelifts, renovations and additions to many of their familiar classroom buildings. The new entrance to the campus has been created with the completion in June of a building that houses the administrative offices and a new technology/library media center. The technology/library media center houses over 8,000 books and 54 computers. With the integration of technology within the curriculum, the additional computer lab in the the technology center allows classes to work on math programs, participate in sci-

ence webcasts and study geography. The main classroom building, where the administrative offices were located for many years, has been renovated so that all of the second-, third- and fourth-grade classes, and a computer lab are now in that two-story building. Major renovations are being made to the fifth- and sixth-grade building. A new commons area, similar to the one in the junior high building, is being built so the classrooms open to the inside rather than the outside for security purposes. This building will also contain student services, such as rooms for resources, guidance counseling, a nurse,

SLKF students beautifying school grounds For 30 years, St. Louis King of France School has provided a quality Catholic education to children in its area and now teaches children from 3 years of age through eighth grade. Each year, St. Louis King of France School chooses a theme, which provides a springboard for activities throughout the year and is integrated into all areas of school life. Last year, the theme was “Growing in Service, Love, Knowledge and Faith.” The school’s music teacher, Gerald Duet, wrote a song, “We are Growing,” so students could better relate to the theme. The song was sung at the end of every school Mass. Each class was assigned an area of the school to beautify. Classes chose planters and flowers to enhance the school grounds

and students were responsible for the upkeep of the gardens. The middle school students participated in the “Coastal Roots” Program. They grew trees and then planted them in a specified area to help prevent coastal erosion Interest in the flower gardens was so great that the suggestion was made to add a community garden. School personnel have been attending sessions and making plans to start a vegetable garden next year. Our children also grew in skills. We were first in the state and fourth in the nation in First in Math, a computer based math challenge program. St. Louis will continue to grow in all areas. “We are preparing for next year when our theme will be “Peace, Love & St. Louis,” said SLKF principal Mary Clare Polito.

Three-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

Open House

Thursday,

October

18

4:30-7:00 p.m. For 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls and their parents

3015 Broussard St. Baton Rouge, LA 70808

(225) 383-7207 See our mission statement in action. Visit www.sjabr.org

SJA has a non-discriminatory admissions policy.

The new “front door” for St. Thomas More School will be easy to find in the recently completed administration building. Photo by Laura Deavers | The Catholic Commentator and a speech and occupational therapy room. A new science lab is being built for the junior high, so this year there will be two science labs on the STM campus. A new band and music room is being added in the building that houses the school’s gymnasium. Covered walkways connect the new administration building with the other buildings on the campus. St. Thomas More School has over 800 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. For the past 50 years, the school has remained true to its mission to provide a legacy of excellence in religious and academic education. STM students have consistently placed in the top percentile on high school

entrance exams, received numerous academic performance and individual student awards, and have a reputation of excelling in extracurricular activities. “We are proud of our accomplishments and we wanted to give the students, not only the greatest curriculum, but a modernized environment with new facilities for them to succeed now and many years into the future,” said Judy Armstrong, principal of St. Thomas More. She added that portions of the buildings and facilities on the STM campus have remained unchanged since the school opened its doors in 1960. “We are excited to start the new school year off with new and renovated facilities,” stated Armstrong.

18B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

July 11, 2012

St. Thomas Aquinas High School providing Catholic education on secondary level By Laura Deavers Editor When St. Thomas Aquinas High School opened its doors Sept. 2, 1986, a decades-long dream came true for the Catholics in Tangipahoa Civil Parish – there was a Catholic high school for their children in Hammond. Bishop Stanley J. Ott, who was bishop of Baton Rouge at that time, dedicated the new high school March 6, 1987. Catholic elementary schools had provided younger students with a faithbased education as early as 1912 when Holy Ghost School opened in Hammond. When students completed their eighth-grade studies at Holy Ghost or St. Joseph in Ponchatoula or Mater Dolorosa in Independence, there was no local Catholic high school for them to attend. In the 1950s, 20 acres of land north of Hammond was donated with the expressed purpose that it would be used as the location for a Catholic high school. Interest in the high school was sweetened in 1970s when the money paid for the Cardinal Newman Hall, a student dormitory at Southeastern Louisiana University owned by the Diocese of Baton Rouge, was set aside for a Catholic

high school in Tangipahoa Civil Parish. In 1984, after a year and a half of negotiations, the Diocese of Baton Rouge gave approval to begin a $3.4 million campaign to raise the money needed to build the high school. Bishop Ott started the campaign with his pledge of $350,000. Within six weeks of the capital campaign kickoff almost $700,000 had been raised. Catholic education supporters in Tangipahoa were surprised the Diocese of Baton Rouge gave approval to build the high school since St. Michael the Archangel High School (formerly Bishop Sullivan Regional Catholic High School) had opened in the fall of 1984. Plus, the economy was down following a recession, oil prices were falling, farmers were suffering because of a recent drought and, since, at that time, Tangipahoa was more rural, personal income was not as high as in Baton Rouge. Bishop Ott and Catholic School Superintendent Sister Mary Michaeline Green OP, pledged their continued support and commitment to building a Catholic secondary school in Tangipahoa that would be called St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Catholic High School. Five months into the campaign, the

first-phase goal to raise $2 million was achieved and surpassed by $300,000, which allowed for construction to begin on the high school in October 1985. Francis Mercante, one of the original members of the committee to raise money for the new school, credits the success of the campaign to Bishop Ott who “was willing to take the leap of faith and so he gave the project his ‘breath of life.’ ” Mercante said the people wanted the school so badly that they were willing “to fight for it, to make sacrifices for it and to continue to support it.” “The people who touched me more than anything were the ones who believed, the ones who worked relentlessly, who paid their pledges month after month, no matter how big or small in order to see this dream come true – not only for our children, but for future generations of Catholics in our region,” said Mercante. As construction on the school began, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Ill., agreed to staff the school for at least six years. They stayed for nine, until 2005. Sister Mary Roselle OP, St. Thomas Aquinas’ first principal, was joined by Sister Patricia Burke, who taught math, science and religion, and Sister Mary

Antonette OP, who taught English and religion and was also the school’s guidance counselor. Six lay teachers – three men and three women – completed the staff. The first class of students in 1986 had 37 freshmen. A grade was added each year. When the first students graduated in 1990, there were 28 seniors. Several former students have been members of the St. Thomas Aquinas faculty and staff. Courtney Day Sliewica, 1998, world geography; Will John, 1995, speech and drama; Josh Wittie, 2000, technology director; and Megan Candiotto, 2005, and Ashley Arnone Brady, 1997, have been school counselors. Now, as St. Thomas Aquinas High School continues to provide a Catholic education to the high school students in and around Tangipahoa Civil Parish, plans are underway to expand and improve the buildings, parking lots and athletic facilities and fields on the current campus. Contributing to this story were members of the staff of The Falcons Nest, the new student newspaper at St. Thomas Aquinas: Macy Rivet and Madison Chauvin.

July 11, 2012

BACK-TO-SCHOOL


19B9

St. Michael High School guides students through faith, truth, service St. Michael the Archangel High School uses its three charisms – fides/faith, veritas/truth and ministerium/service – to guide its students. Each quality expresses part of St. Michael’s mission and purpose as a Catholic school. “Just as faith without works is dead, so too, will faith and truth always be incomplete if they do not enable and motivate us to minister to others, to serve the poor and bring joy and love to the lonely,” said Peter Fletcher, assistant principal of spirituality. “We celebrate fides, veritas and ministerium at St. Michael High School by facilitating a year-round service program for our students, encouraging them to give back and celebrate all they have for which to be thankful.” Each St. Michael student is required to volunteer to serve others through community service. Through individual commitment, clubs, and sports programs and teams, students volunteer over 20,000 hours in this community each year. Freshmen are required to complete at least 10 hours, sophomores must serve a minimum of 15, juniors volunteer 20 hours, and seniors must complete 25 hours, half of which must support their Final Senior Service Project. This past school year, 40 students went above and beyond and volunteered an impressive 90 hours each. Through their religion classes, students make weekly visits to nursing homes or hospice programs. Houses are built for Habitat for Humanity by various Warrior sports teams. Campus ministry programs sponsor pro-life vigils at abortion clinics. One of the students who volunteered

90 hours and who put her own passion to use for the benefit of others was senior Alexis Haynes. She received the Gold Service Award and was also named the school’s female Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Christian Service Award winner, the highest service honor given by St. Michael School. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated Christ-like servant leadership at the highest level in the most consistent manner. “Haynes has a great desire to work with people who are suffering or who are in need of medical help, and therefore puts in hundreds of hours riding along with and assisting paramedics throughout the Baton Rouge community to fulfill her school service hours, as well as further hone her passion and craft,” said Anthony Neeson, director of the St. Michael High School sports medicine program of which Haynes was a member for three years. “As a result of nearly 500 hours, she was named EMS Explorer of the Year and she has committed to entering EMT school with the Acadian Academy this fall.” Haynes has also worked with children who have disabilities through a St. Michael summer basketball camp and at the McMains Children’s Development Center, volunteered in first aid with the Boy Scouts at Camp Avondale, and assisted the elderly at area nursing homes. “I am so thankful that St. Michael High School encouraged and gave me opportunities through both the sports medicine and service hour programs to make volunteerism such an integral part of my life,” said Haynes. “Through sports medicine, I now have a career, and by volunteering at so many diverse and unique

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY COMPETITION – Catholic of Pointe Coupée seventh-grade Louisiana history class participated in a contest to celebrate Louisiana History Day that was sponsored by the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. Renee Trepagnier, left, and Ava Martin won the regional competition that was held at the West Baton Rouge Parish Museum in Port Allen. Their first-place project depicting the historic locks in Plaquemine qualified them for the state competition held at the National World War II Museum, where they once again placed first. The girls represented Catholic of Pointe Coupée in the National History Day competition at the University of Maryland in June. Photo provided by Catholic High School of Pointe Coupée

St. Michael High School Chaplain Father Gerard Martin, from left, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Christian Service Award recipients Kolbe Fletcher and Alexis Haynes, and St. Michael High School Assistant Principal of Spirituality Peter Fletcher attend the awards ceremony. Photo provided by St. Michael the Archangel High School places for the past four years, I now have a passion for giving back that will always be a part of who I am.” Another Gold Service Award winner, volunteering more than 90 hours to the community and winning the male Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta Christian Service Award, was Kolbe Fletcher, who is known for his care and concern for others at his school, church and throughout his community. He has served his high school at Vacation Bible School, open house, new student orientation, the technology services team and class retreats. At Our Lady of Mercy Church he is a member of the choir and an altar server. Most importantly, he gives witness to his pro-life belief through his commitment to the unborn. Whether it is the life of a

woman considering abortion, or her unborn child, or the life of his own sister or brother who struggles with the disabilities of autism and cerebral palsy, Fletcher serves. He prays at the Delta Abortion Clinic, takes part in the Baton Rouge Life Chain and attended the last five March for Life Pilgrimages. Fletcher also serves at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and area nursing homes on a regular basis. He has applied for admittance at St. Joseph Seminary this fall. “These are just two examples of students who wove volunteering through the fabric of high school life at St. Michael,” said Fletcher. “Service and ministry are and will always be a strong part of St. Michael the Archangel as an institute of higher learning.”

Teaching Students the Way They Learn! Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD

The

Brighton School

www.thebrightonschool.org

KEY ASPECTS OF OUR PROGRAM: • College preparatory •Language-based learning •Multisensory curriculum •Structured writing program •Low student-to-teacher ratio •Certiﬁed, fully trained faculty

Elementary K - 6 • 225-923-2068 | Middle/High School 7 - 12 • 225-291-2524 Non-discriminatory admissions policy. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

20B


BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Diocese of Baton Rouge Catholic School Instructional Leaders

Melissa Cline

Lisa Harvey

Colleen Caillet

Brenda Fremin

Catholic Elementary of Pointe Coupee

Catholic High

Catholic High of Pointe Coupee

Holy Family

Maria Cloessner

Brian Moscona

Erica Walker

Our Lady of Mercy

Redemptorist Elementary

Dr. Maribeth Andereck

Shirley Bougére

Most Blessed Sacrament

Sandy Pizzolato Ascension Catholic

Cindy Ryals

Paula Simoneaux

Paula Fabre

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Redemptorist High

Jack Nelson

Wendy Gilmore

Bernardine Legendre

St. Jean Vianney

Dr. Gerard Toups

Linda Harvison

St. Joseph

St. Joseph’s Academy

Karen Jakuback

Mary Clare Polito

Tina Schexnaydre St. John Primary

Joan Hutson

Special Education at Redemptorist

St. George

St. Elizabeth

St. Jude the Apostle

Linda Wisinger Mater Dolorosa

Holy Ghost

St. Francis Xavier

St. Alphonsus

Tangee Daugereaux

July 11, 2012

St. John Elementary

Ellen Lee

St. Louis King of France

St. Michael the Archangel High

Chris Musso

JosÉ Becerra

John Bennett St. Aloysius

Cherie Schlatre St. John High

Joanna Foltz St. Peter Chanel

The Gift of Leadership St. Theresa Middle

St. Thomas Aquinas High

Dr. Judy Armstrong St. Thomas More