B B C S
VOL. No. 1 | ISSUE No. 1 | October 2014
RAISING THE BAR IN MATH PAGE 2
FINANCIAL REVIEW PAGE 4
406 West “B” Street Iron Mountain, MI 49801
406 W B ST. IRON MOUNTAIN, MI 49801
CON TENTS SINGAPORE MATH - PAGE 2 NEW THIS YEAR - PAGE 3 FINANCIAL REVIEW - PAGE 4 GUITAR INSTRUCTOR - PAGE 6 VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT - PAGE 7 MSGR. ELMER - PAGE 8 UPCOMING EVENTS - BACK PAGE
EXCELLENCE IN THE EVERYDAY
WAYNE PHILLIPS EDUCATION COUNCIL CHAIRMAN
This newsletter is another creative way in which we can reintroduce you to our Catholic School and keep you informed quarterly as to what great things are taking place for our school children. Through the leadership of our principal, teachers, support staff, and parents, our Bishop Baraga Catholic School has been doing new and exciting things in order to provide an exceptional academic and “God-focused” education. Please take the time to read this newsletter and share with us the growing enthusiasm for our school.
page 1
INTRODUCING THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ADAM HUSING PRINCIPAL
Hello Good Readers, Welcome to the first edition of the BBCS Quarterly. The goal of this newsletter is to be an insight into the life of our school for the purpose of inspiration and evangelization. Each quarter we will highlight aspects of Catholic identity, volunteers, curriculum, current events, and alumni. Once a year you will receive a financial update showing your donations at work. Our Catholic schools have the best Pre-K-8th grade curriculum offerings in the Upper Peninsula. Latin, Spanish, Guitar, Singapore Math, Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), rigorous grammar instruction, not to mention our focus on classical literature, all add up to schools focused on human formation and Truth. Enjoy these newsletters and please keep us in your prayers.
FORMATION AND INFORMATION FR. DAN ZALOGA PASTORAL DELEGATE
How blessed we are to have the wonderful gift of Catholic education for our children during their critical, formative years! And what a school we have! When you enter the building you immediately know you’ve entered “sacred space.” There is a PRESENCE and an atmosphere which is totally welcoming and unmistakably faith-filled. It’s what a Catholic school should feel like and continuously strive to be. A Catholic school’s real Headmaster is Jesus Himself. He not only instills an atmosphere and approach to learning subject matter providing the necessary INFORMATION which is necessary to know and learn, but also the FORMATION necessary to deal with it and apply it. In other words, besides building necessary skills, a Catholic education also builds the CHARACTER necessary to apply these skills in the Name of Jesus: as His personal ambassador. The students’ pursuit of the True, the Good and the Beautiful in a classical Catholic school education is a great source of inner satisfaction and excitement for them. Just one example of this happened to me recently while in conversation with a few students. The classical component of the Latin language was the topic, which they initiated the conversation about. “We’re learning Latin!” they said excitedly. “We really like it!” I’m absolutely encouraged and edified! Long live BBCS!
FURTHERING THE MISSION “An education that is second-to-none,” is the motto that we’re operating under. Singapore Math is one piece of our comprehensive and exclusive curriculum. Academic year 2014-15 marks its second year here.
INTEGRATING SINGAPORE MATH
Our goal is to provide students with a top-notch education they cannot get anywhere in the area. Part of that goal has been the integration of Singapore Math. What drew us to Singapore Math? Quite simply, it has been proven to be one of the top mathematics programs in the entire world. The proof is in the results: Singapore Math students in 4th and 8th grade scored top place in Mathematics in 1995, 1999 and 2003 in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, conducted every four years. More than just test scores, Singapore Math works to show children not simply the “how” to solving problems, but demonstrates the “why”. One unique tool is the use of visual bar models to help diagram the problem being solved. This
THIRD GRADE SINGAPORE MATH: Polly has a collection of 477 pink and blue buttons. There are 149 more pink buttons than blue buttons. How many blue buttons are there? a. 164 b. 328 c. 313 d. 626
method of teaching helps with problem solving in general, a benefit to our students no matter what subject they are studying.
was not as easy as swapping out textbooks. Because Singapore Math uses a different approach to learning mathematics, implementation required qualified staff
utilizing Singapore Math in K-6th grade. The goal is efficiency in Algebra for all of our graduating 8th grade
training, and on-going support. Two years ago, our staff spent an in-service in the summer receiving training. Going forward, we have used webinars for continuing
Currently, we are
students. Integrating Singapore Math
support. Each of our teachers has come to love the program. Ann Brown, fourth grade teacher says, “In my opinion, Singapore Math is common sense math. The Singapore approach is a clear, direct approach that is much like the way we learned math as children.” Singapore Math is winning over our students as well. Mrs. Brown remarked, “Once students are taught these techniques, they are much better equipped to tackle very difficult problems (that are above their grade level), with a lot of success. I know my students are benefiting from it.” BBCS students have transitioned well to the new program and have come to love math.
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NEW
THIS YEAR New opportunities and new faces around BBCS
PRE-K TEACHER LOOKING FORWARD TO A LARGER ROLE AT OUR SCHOOL
For the past two years, Mrs. Jennifer Gauthier has assisted in the Pre-K class with Meredith Pipp. Mrs. Gauthier also taught gym, music and computers to the kindergarten class.
“This year, I was given the amazing opportunity to teach both the 4K and the 3K classes,” Mrs. Gauthier said, whose educational background is in Early Childhood Education and Care. “I enjoy working with young children. They are so curious, and are eager learners. Each day is a new adventure!” Mrs. Gauthier and her husband Matt have four children – twins Dustin and Cliff, who are 24 years-old, their daughter Kassidy, who is 19 and a sophomore at University of Michigan, and their youngest, Riley, is nine-years-old and in the fourth grade. The Gauthier Page 3
family lives in Kingsford where Jennifer has lived all of her life and says she enjoys raising her family there.
NEW TEACHER BRINGS MANY TALENTS
Mrs. Aimee Tatangelo has two children, Dominic and Sierra and is married to a good friend of ours, Anthony (you may recognize him as he taught computers and gym here last year). She has five brothers and is very excited to be teaching here. Mrs. Tatangelo is a graduate of Iron Mountain High School and Northern Michigan University. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Language Arts.
EXPANDED PRE-K OPTIONS EXTENDED DAY 4-K AND AFTERNOON 3-K PROGRAM NEW THIS YEAR
Our expanded pre-school program provides children with a jump on learning. Children learn pre-reading skills, to identify numbers, shapes and colors, and to master fine-motor skills. In addition, the student-toteacher ratio is low, which makes learning personal. Instilling Christian values and good manners as well as listening skills and the ability to follow directions are also essential pieces of the curriculum. Students in 4-K must be four-years-old at the beginning of the academic year. Children in the 3-K program must be threeyears-old at the time of enrollment and potty trained. The 3-K year is two sessions beginning September 1st and January 1st. Families are invited to enroll their three-year-old for the second session by contacting our office.
Previously, she taught K-6 music in Marquette before moving back to the area. In addition, shes worked as the Health & Wellness Director at the YMCA for three years, but missed being in the classroom. Next, she taught preschool for Community Schools for one year. She is looking forward to the adventure of teaching computers, gym and band here.
FAMILIAR FACE IN KINDERGARTEN This school year, Mrs. Meredith Pipp is teaching in kindergarten. Mrs. Pipp and her husband Matt have two daughters, Isla (3) and Eden (3.5 mos.). They are members of American Martyrs Parish in Kingsford. Mrs. Pipp is a familiar face at our school as she was previously the prekindergarten teacher here for four years. Prior to that, she taught fourth grade in Lower Michigan and then preschool in Chicago. She
and her husband are both from the area. “I am so excited to watch the kindergarten class grow
in their faith even more this year,” Mrs. Pipp said. “I love their enthusiasm for learning and their excitement to attend school every day! I look forward to a fantastic year with this amazing group of kids.”
FINANCIAL REVIEW
FINANCE COORDINATOR’S NOTES:
Budget highllights: stable enrollment, increased fundraising efforts, and an increase in tuition receipts.
ALL ACTUAL FIGURES FOR YEAR-END 2013-14
FUNDRAISER INCOME
REVENUE
Tuition and Fees Tuition Assistance Parish Subsidies Diocesan Revenue Endowment Income Donations/Fundraising Other Capital Campaign
$187,444.00 $9,562.00 $251,118.00 $38,318.00 $105,892.00 $107,889.00 $16,189.00 $75,571.00 $791,983.00
EXPENSES
Instruction Administration Financial Aid Scholarships Instructional Materials Bussing Occupancy Capital Outlay
$581,399.00 $64,642.00 $37,635.00 $25,036.00 $3,880.00 $34,963.00 $36,136.00 $783,691.00
ENROLLMENT AND TUITION RECEIVED
Enrollment Tuition
We continue to expand efforts fundraising for expenses. The Golf Outing has been a very successful and much anticipated event each year! The downward trend we have experienced with enrollment in the past is becoming less of an issue. We have had good student retention for the last four years (enrollment this year is at 117!). Many people ask where their donations are needed. Our biggest expenditure is for instruction (as it should be). Any general donations we receive would work to help with that cost.
2010-11 128 $168,820
(NOT INCLUDING EXPENSES FOR EACH ACTIVITY)
60000
$50,643.00
50000
$37,277.00
40000 30000
$23,441.50
20000 10000 0
2011-12 52 Club
Subsidy Income Total Expenses
Golf Outing
$2,000
Car Raffle
2014-15 2013-14
$1,875
$1,813 $1,760
$1,750 $1,625
$1,626
2012-13 2011-12
$1,675
$1,500
CAPITAL OUTLAY
2012-13 108 $170,467
2013-14 114 $187,444
PARISH SUPPORT
2011 -2012 $261,092 $899,035
2013-14
Tuition RATE FOR ONE CHILD FROM A SUBSIDIZED PARISH
2011-12 125 $186,032
2012-13 Heritage Festival
2012-2013 $261,092 $743,282
2013 - 2014 $251,118 $783,691
Includes renovations to create larger pre-K space, updates to bathrooms and new boiler system. CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Funds used to update lighting, install a new boiler, upgrade technology and renovate the computer lab into a larger pre-K classroom. TUITION ASSISTANCE
All tuition assistance comes from the Msgr. Elmer (see page 8), Tortelli and Trapasso trusts as well as from Diocesan funds and private donors. page 4
A HERITAGE OF GIVING
We gratefully acknowledge those who supported our school during the last academic year. Thank you!
Allan Dighera B & B Tire & Auto Inc. Beatrice Occhietti Berlinski Financial Services, Inc. Bernard Menghini Blagec Bros. Inc. Bonkowski Family Trust Brad Lebouef Brouillette Law Caroline Trapasso Trust Cedar Hill Medical Facility Daniel and Judy Benishek David Caviani Diana Kujala Dr. Alexis Whaley Elaine Larson Eleanor Fornetti Elizabeth Glanville Elizabeth Simon Eric and Karen Hackstock Fleming Construction Fr. Daniel Zaloga Gundlach Champion Gustavo and Michelle Morel Janet Fiorazo Jean Bertoldi Miazga Jerome Brien
Jerry Picucci Joanne Hady Joe, Eileen and Alli Sparpana Jon Pipp Joseph Limback Joseph Negro Kathleen M. Corrigan Keith Hammond Letitia Guinter Margaret St. Louis Mary Ann Koerschner Mary Gagala Michael and Mary Momont Mike Parent Monsignor Elmer Trust Mr. Donald Gabbert Mr. Galeazzi, Sr Northern Michigan Bank Pat and Ann Brown Paul Menghini Pride Manufacturing St. Mary Queen of Peace Robert and Virginia Payant Robert Paul Ronald and Diana Tortelli
Rosemary Gayan Saint Mary & St. Joseph Shawn and Kelly Bruns Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres Steve and Denise Feira Steve and Mary Jane Roell Ted and Kristy Fornetti The Miller Agency Turk Family William Paupore Zalla Flaminio Zygmund Bonkowski 2014 GOLF OUTING CORPORATE SPONSORS Baker Sign Company Berlinski Financial Services Blagec Brothers Border States Electric Brouillette Law Office Dickinson Pediatric Clinic Edwards Automotive, Inc. First National Bank Fleming Construction Kaizen Chiropractic Keith Hammond M. J. Electric Mark’s Auto Monette’s IGA Mortl’s Sport Center
Nine Lakes Sport & Marine Northern Michigan Bank & Trust Oak Crest Golf Course Palette & Pub - Green Bay The Pasty Oven Paul J. Fornetti Dentistry Pride Manufacturing Company, LLC Pro-Klean, Inc. St. George Glass Steve Feira Town & Country Sales The White House Tavern & Grill CAR RAFFLE SPONSORS Baker Sign Company Edward’s Automotive, Inc. St. Mary Queen of Peace 2013-14 MARKETING CAMPAIGN SPONSORS Evergreen Senior Living Gundlach Champion Fornetti Dental Implant Center Paul J. Fornetti Dentistry
M AT T F L E M I N G
General Contractor 282-5987
MUSIC AS A WAY OF LIFE WE WELCOME NEW GUITAR INSTRUCTOR
Bill Morrison, our new volunteer guitar instructor, can be found at his studio at Thunder Island in Downtown Iron Mountain. At first glance, he seems to have a typical studio, though upon a deeper look, the walls of his office subtly display a successful 50-year music career, a love of music ministry, a commitment to family, and a desire to share that talent by inspiring young musicians. It truly is no surprise that Mr. Morrison responded quickly to Principal Husing’s call to start a guitar class for our students. Hanging on the left side of Mr. Morrison’s office is a 1979 contract to play back up band to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. To the right is a picture of Ella, one of Mr. Morrison’s twenty grandchildren, in pajamas sitting on her grandpa’s lap holding a guitar. While certainly earning the respect of the title Mr. Morrison, donned in blue jeans, presenting this grounded and relaxed style, it feels sensical to call him Bill.
In 1962, Bill, then 16 and a member of the band Joey Gee and the Blue Tones, found himself recording a 45 record. His parents assisted with the $500 expense to record the album. Calls for copies of the 45 were limited by teen finances, but requested of the band, as on the flip side the song “Don’t You Just Know It” rose on the Florida music charts. Fifteen years later, The Trolls formed. The band was made famous locally because they would throw troll dolls into the crowd. In 1979, Bill’s next band, The Lexington Project, won the 1979 Battle of the Bands, and played back up to Bob Seger and The Silver Bullet Band- the carbon copy contract framed in Bill’s lesson studio. From there Bill joined or formed a host of other bands and acts. His career also had him joining the likes of Martina McBride at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Presently, Bill plays with MoJo and shares a stage with Mark Young and other local artists.
and perhaps one of their shared six children. Daughters Michelle and Kim both attended our school ( in the Dickinson Area Catholic School days) and now, two grandchildren, Ella and Christian, play and study here as well. As the grandfather of a shared 20 grandchildren, Bill has taken particular pride in his grandson Christian’s (pictured below) aptitude for the guitar.
We are certainly blessed by our new guitar teacher, an accomplished musician, who has already demonstrated years of commitment to developing the skills of young, local musicians, and now will regularly assist students in exploring what could become their new passion. Welcome, Mr. Morrison, excuse us, Bill.
SINGAPORE MATH Bill hopes for two things: to share his love of music with the students of our school, and to put a guitar into each student’s hands. In addition to on-stage performing, Bill’s career also consists of years of music ministry, including serving on the St. Anthony’s Parish council, and playing music at Immaculate Conception and St. Anthony’s. Each Sunday morning you will find Bill and his wife, Jeanne (Matiss), sharing a pew with grandson Christian,
Did you figure out the math problem on page 2? Here’s a peek at Singapore Math in action: Total Buttons 477 149 ? 149 Blue Buttons Pink Buttons
?
Blue Buttons ? + ? + 149 = 477 ? + ? = 477 - 149 ? + ? = 328 328 / 2 = 164 Answer = A. 164
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SPIRIT OF
GENEROSITY Our success and sustainability are entirely due to the efforts of those who volunteer their resources. We feel truly blessed to have such dedicated community volunteers and donors.
VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT
THE ENGINE BEHIND THE CAR RAFFLE
Lori Bargo and Kristin Sommerfeld are both wellrecognized in the community. The two women are often out and about in the school and in their parishes helping where they can. Each has her own reasons for lending time to our school, but they both share an enthusiastic dedication and willingness to help. Lori is secretary of St. Mary Queen of Peace and has been for 25 years. She was involved with getting Scrip launched at the parish and working with other parishes to do the same. She often works to include Queen of Peace in projects where Bishop Baraga Catholic School could use a helping hand such as collecting clothing for missions or helping to coordinate the purchase of ten guitars for our new guitar class this year. Kristin Sommerfeld has a long history with Bishop Baraga Catholic School. Her boys started going to BBCS in 2010 in third grade and kindergarten. As a youngster, she herself attended our Page 7
DID YOU KNOW?
The car raffle garnered over $17,000 in ticket sales. The raffle winner took home just over $8,500.
school (previously called Dickinson Area Catholic School) from kindergarten
I always wanted to do,” Bargo noted. “In the past, the school raffled off a used
through eighth grade and three of her siblings did the same. Kristin served for the last two years as treasurer of the BBCS Parent Association and continues to work with the group. She has been a member since 2010. “As a new parent, I wanted to jump right in and force myself to get involved and meet new people,” she remarked. Just last spring, Sommerfeld and Bargo worked together on the car raffle. The raffle was a success largely due to their ingenuity and dedication. “Raffling off the car was Lori’s idea,” Sommerfeld said. “The car idea was something
car and it was successful. I thought ‘If we had a new car, imagine what we could do!’ ” She is very proud of the car raffle’s success. Ticket sales were $17,180. That was not enough to raffle off the car. So, the raffle became a 50/50 drawing with the winner taking home $8,500 and the school receiving the same. “I see all the good that comes from the school, and it makes me feel good to help where I can,” Bargo noted. “As part of the church, it is our responsibility to support whatever is going
on at the school. Their fixed income makes each of these ‘extras’ a big deal.” Lori’s efforts with our school continue as she is coordinating the pieces we need to create a Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program and Atrium (more on that in the coming months) for the pre-K classroom. Kristin continues as part of our Parent Association and she serves on the Education Council. In addition, she prays during the BBCS designated adoration hour on Saturday nights. Money raised from the raffle was used for teacher development. This June, a special guest speaker came to spend two days with our teachers instructing them
on classical education. We are truly thankful for this experience and the help from these two wonderful women!
A MAJOR GIFT FROM A HOMETOWN FRIEND
One man’s generosity in life, and now in death, has made a major impact to our school. Charles “Charlie” Elmer was born in Aurora, Wisconsin in 1923 and lived many years here in Iron Mountain. He was the second of four children of John and Eva Elmer. Iron Mountain was the place where Charles grew up and would forever call home, even when he was unable to remain in the area. At the age of 19, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army and ended up landing at Normandy during World War II. He eventually became a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. From there, he attended St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee and the North American College in Rome. He received the S.T.L. (Licentiate of Sacred Theology) from the Pontifical Gregorian University, the M.Ed. from Texas A&M University, and the S.T.D. (Doctor of Sacred Theology) from the
Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas. He was ordained for the Diocese of Marquette on December 20, 1952 in the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Mary and St. Joseph Church in Iron Mountain, where he was a member during his high school years. His first assignment to parish ministry was St. Mary’s Church in Norway. However, due to medical conditions, he was released by his ordinary and was transferred to the authority of the Diocese of Austin, Texas. During Father Charlie’s time in the priesthood, he acted as spiritual adviser to many young men in the seminary, and was also a mentor for
many American bishops and several cardinals. Throughout his many years away from the area, Charles always called Iron Mountain home. He lived simply and decided he would leave money from his estate to causes he believed in. Monsignor Charles Elmer passed away in September 2011, yet his legacy lives on for us. We have benefited greatly from his simple life: $100,000 in 2012, $125,000 in 2013 and $65,000 in 2014 were given to the school from his estate.
UPCOMING EVENTS JOHN WOOD EXTRAORDINARY MISSION
Saturday, November 8, 2014 9am - 2pm OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, January 28, 2015 4pm - 6pm
Implant, Cosme c, and Family Den stry Now Accepting New Patients 1115 S. Hemlock St., Suite 1 Iron Mountain, MI 49801 (906) 774-4444 www.upimplantdentist.com page 8
STAFF
Pre-K Mrs. Jennifer Gauthier Kindergarten Mrs. Meredith Pipp First Grade Mrs. Laurie Moln Second Grade Mrs. Cathy Menghini Third Grade Mrs. Marci Ellis Fourth Grade Mrs. Ann Brown Fifth Grade Mrs. Karen Hackstock Middle School Miss Jeanette Asam Mrs. Sheila Caswell Mr. Joe Limback Specials Mrs. Aimee Tatangelo Mrs. Gloria Koerschner Mr. Bill Morrison Mrs. Brenda Wilkey Fin. Coord. Mrs. Annette Meiner Office Mrs. Adrien Brzoznowski Ms. Ashley Pipp Custodial Mr. Brad Hicks Principal Mr. Adam Husing
“
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
One of the best decisions we made as parents was to send our boys to BBCS (formally DACS). A perfect combination of faith and academics is what we wanted and that is exactly what we received. Daily prayers, weekly Mass, good teachers, and a safe environment—our boys had it all. Our boys were given a solid foundation spiritually and academically which prepared them well for high school and college. Tom has his accounting degree and is now at Sacred Heart Major Seminary and Patrick graduated this year as valedictorian and is attending NMU. Catholic education was truly a positive influence on all of us. Faith and academics –a combination that just cannot be beat. -MARCHELL AND MITCH MERKEL God bless BBCS!
”
Johnpresents R. Wood
EDUCATION COUNCIL
CONTRIBUTORS
Mrs. Lori Bargo Mrs. Ann Hammond Mrs. Victoria LaFave Mrs. Kristin Sommerfeld Mrs. Alexis Whaley Mr. Adam Husing Mrs. Marchell Merkel
SAVE THE DATE
BISHOP BARAGA LEGACY DINNER
Saturday, Feb 7, 2015 3RD ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
Saturday, June 6, 2015
with special musical guests
"I believe John is one of the great emerging Catholic voices of our time…John Wood has a passion that is contagious. Read this book... and make an effort to go and hear him speak!" -Matthew Kelly Dynamic Catholic
NOV. 8TH 2014 9AM - 2PM
ST. MARY & ST. JOSEPH
411 W “B” ST., IRON MTN
LUNCH AND CONFESSION AVAILABLE 11-12:30PM
COST : $20 ORDER ONLINE:
TICKETS
Chariman Mr. Wayne Phillips Mrs. Monique Claverie Mrs. Dianne Gauthier Mrs. Ann Hammond Mrs. Debra Hanson Ms. Jessica Herrick Mr. Mike Parent Mrs. Jen Raiche Mr. Ryan Sanders Mrs. Kristin Sommerfeld Mrs. Tammy Tomassucci
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