MARIAN
Matters
A Newsletter for Marian Catholic Alumni, Parents and Friends. . . Because Marian Catholic Really Does Matter WINTER 2013-2014
Teaching
21ST CENTURY
2014 Marian Catholic High School
Hall of Fame
By Marcia Borucki Neville
• Physician • Attorney • • University Head Coach •
• Dominican Congregation Leader • • Author-Educator •
Though their career paths may have taken them in widely different directions, the five individuals chosen for the 2014 Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame share one important characteristic: their commitment to the institution that fostered their dreams and enabled their achievements. These five outstanding members of the Marian Catholic Community will be recognized for their accomplishments at the 2014 Hall of Fame on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at Olympia Fields Country Club. Selected this year are Dr. Thomas Fagan ’82, Alumnus of the Year; Mickey Griffin ’93 and Ruth Kmak ’88, Athletes of the Year; Sister Barbara Blesse, O.P., Spirit of Marian; and James Conroyd Martin, Fine Arts Distinguished Achievement. The Hall of Fame Awards honor alumni, parents, faculty, and friends of Marian Catholic who have distinguished themselves in their chosen field and have exemplified the Dominican traditions of unselfish service to others. The awards were established in 1994 to commend those graduates and friends of Marian who have embodied and upheld the school’s motto Teaching Scholars with a Soul.
Scholars with a Soul Marian Catholic High School announces the implementation of a One-to-One iPad initiative beginning at the start of the 2014-2015 school year. In every aspect of today’s world, technology plays an integral role. Learning styles are changing as young people adapt to receiving information across a variety of platforms, personal devices, and media. Marian Catholic is committed to educating, engaging, and inspiring students as 21st century learners, while continuing to instill the Dominican traditions. “The purpose of Marian Catholic High School technology is to support education by providing access to learning anytime, anywhere – both in classrooms and at home,” said Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P., Principal. “One-to-One personalized learning increases access to educational technology during the school day, promotes responsible and ethical use of today’s ever changing technology, and narrows the digital divide between our students. “With technological advances happening rapidly, preparing students for the future is integral to Marian Catholic’s high educational standards.” More extensive access to a variety of educational resources will enhance Marian Catholic students’ research practices and increase engagement of core concepts. The program will broaden the walls of the classrooms and give access to a wealth of educational material. This will allow flexibility for students to work at a self-defined pace and individualized schedule. Marian Catholic has been preparing for this transition for the last two years. This past summer the network bandwidth was upgraded from 11mb to 200mb. Teachers have integrated technology into lesson plans and are engaging in extensive in-service training to prepare for effective new technologies within the learning environment. “The ability for students to have the most up-to-date information available instantly will serve to enhance their education at all levels and in all subjects,” said Jennifer Lamb, Math Department Chair. “Faculty will have the ability to differentiate student assignments and provide extra practice or enrichment as necessary.” After a thorough review of current platforms, Marian Catholic selected the Apple iPad for the One-to-One Initiative. Currently, there are more educational resources available for iPads as compared to other personal devices. Also, Apple has a commitment to iPad viability. Technology is constantly changing. Apple provides consumers with operating system updates to ensure their devises are current. Upgrades are free of charge and easy to implement. Marian will evaluate the iPad program as new technologies evolve to ensure that students receive the best education possible. For information on how to support the media and technology initiatives financially at Marian Catholic, please contact Pat Trebe at ptrebe@marianchs.com or 708-756-9405.
Students using the iPad to videotape a school project in the Media Center.
Band student using the iPad to read sheet music and record practice.