COVER STORY

and Its Importance Across All Disciplines

SSince the doors of Kellenberg Memorial High School opened in the fall of 1987, the school’s curriculum, campus, apostolic activities, athletics, and extracurriculars have constantly evolved in order to prepare Firebirds for success after graduation. Some more recent, pivotal adaptations have included an expanded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum and the newly created Jim and Diane Rowen STEM Center.

As Kellenberg continues to adapt its curriculum to ensure its graduates are ready to succeed in college and beyond, there are certain aspects of the education of the heart and mind that remain absolute in their importance. The most central of these are the teachings of the Catholic Church, the nurturing of each student’s personal relationship with God, and the focus on bringing Jesus’ love to all through acts of service and kindness.

This fall, Kellenberg Memorial expanded its curriculum yet again to include a new class called The Writing Lab. The unparalleled liberal arts education that the school provides has historically produced wise, principled graduates with strong writing skills. These writing skills serve as an invaluable foundation for students to flourish in their chosen areas of study in college and beyond.

The Writing Lab is giving Firebird students their literary wings so that they can successfully fly anywhere their academic passions lead them. ”

Firebird Alumni on the Art of Writing

Jessica Sherman ’98

Biological Science Technician (Soils) at US Department of Agricultural Research Services “Writing is a critical component of scientific research; why do research at all if not to communicate your findings with your peers and community? Writing papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals and serving as a peer editor are what most people think of when they hear “scientific writing,” but there is more to doing research than that final interpretation of the data, although that is a metric of success. I write every day. Doing field and plot scale research requires copious and detailed note-taking to document essential observational information in addition to quantitative measurements. I regularly use my technical writing skills in developing standard operating procedures that must be easily followed and replicable and in developing project proposals that are reviewed by peers as well as stakeholders of various backgrounds. Understanding one’s audience and using appropriate terminology is another important scientific writing skill. Whenever I write, it’s never just for me; it has to be clear, accurate, and easily understood by my colleagues, peers, and the agricultural community at large in order to make the biggest impact and contribution to society possible. I enjoy what I do because I feel like I’m answering important questions about protecting the environment while maintaining productivity in dairy forage systems, and I couldn’t do that successfully without being able to communicate with the written word.”

After 18 months of upheaval in the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most students entering Kellenberg this fall were doing so after a year-anda-half of virtual instruction. The nature of remote learning at the elementary level did not lend itself to sound writing instruction. With the knowledge that the art of writing is the foundation that supports learning across the curriculum, the KMHS English department determined the need to get back to basics by breaking down language into its basic components. Therefore, every freshman student takes The Writing Lab, a new, halfunit course based on a proven instructional strategy called the Hochman Method. Founded by Dr. Judith C. Hochman and carefully outlined in her book The Writing Revolution (coauthored with Natalie Wexler), the Hochman Method enables students to master the skills that are essential if they are to become competent writers. In turn, those skills equip students to become better readers, to communicate more effectively in writing and speaking, and most importantly, to elevate their thinking.

Co-chairperson of the English department Mrs. Cathy von Schoenermarck explains the goal of The Writing Lab, saying, “While there is definitely a place for holistic writing, we really need to give our students a sort of writing boot camp after the many months of virtual learning they endured...

The Art of Writing continues on Page 31

Chris Murray ’95

Partner, Executive Vice President, Head of Inside Sales at Wheels Up

“Written communication in business is key and is a big reflection on your personal brand, which is paramount for your success. What you communicate and how you communicate it reveal a lot about you. It’s important that you are delivering an authentic message in a clear and concise way. In today’s world where we are all bombarded with media and content, less is always more.”

Gary Jansen ’88, P’21

Award-winning author, speaker, and editor Director at Loyola Press

“Writing is one of the most important skill sets if you want to be successful. Getting good at putting your thoughts down on paper creates focus, improves critical thinking, and lets you tap into your creativity. Each of us is a wellspring of ideas, experiences, thoughts, feelings, and emotions, and when we express something inside of us in an outward way through writing, we create something unique. We create a new reality.

In the Gospel of John, we read, ‘In the beginning was the Word.’ Jesus is that Word, and creation begins with a Word. So it is for us. We create through our words, and our words are sacred, though we often act as if they aren’t. We raise people up and tear people down with our words. We determine who we are by our words. Words can change the course of global history or change the happenings of an ordinary day. They can form and destroy relationships, so words are not only powerful, they can be dangerous. When you can use words constructively, however, you assist in being a very special co-creator of the world around you. Don’t believe me? Imagine two people: one says, ‘I’m a winner’ all the time. The other says, ‘I’m a loser.’ Which one is going to succeed in life? My bet is on the one who uses words of ascension.

Words have power. Writing helps to unlock that power.

On the practical side, if you are a good writer, you’ll excel in all your studies and in your professional life. Why? Because so many people are bad writers, they jumble their words, which means they jumble their thoughts. And confusion never leads to success. To be able to express yourself clearly gives you an edge that can help you write an article, draw up a contract, express your love, and ultimately assist you in fulfilling your dreams.”