Academic Year in Review

Molecular Modeling Takes on Deadly Disease

In April, the Molecular Modeling Team presented its findings on its project molecule “FIP 200” and its importance in Autophagy at the Experimental Biology Convention in Philadelphia. The presentation focused on the interaction of FIP 200 with protein “p62.” When this process malfunctions, the result can be many different prion diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Creutzfeldt – Jakob disease) or a lethal accumulation of waste products in a cell. Isaac Lohmueller ’22 and Gavin Poetker ’24 presented with Dan Shannon, science teacher. Other members of the team are Weston Gruber ’24, Ethan Hawryschuk ’24, and Wyatt Medley ’25.

THE LEADERS IN EDUCATING YOUNG MEN

“New times demand new methods,” Blessed Chaminade wrote. At Moeller, we are living his words. In service to this commitment, we continue to evolve our academic philosophy of REALearning: Relational, Experiential, and Authentic learning. As an all-male school, we intentionally design learning opportunities to teach the way young men learn best.

Last school year, our faculty participated in a workshop led by Dr. Michael Reichert. Dr. Reichert is a clinical psychologist and published researcher/ author regarding boys’ learning and development. He also presented to parents based upon his new book, How to Raise a Boy, in which he reviewed what we know and what we are missing when it comes to raising our sons. Building on his research and clinical experience, as well as from other research in boyhood studies and interpersonal neuroscience, his perspective affirmed the goodness of boys and offered a roadmap for all those who care for them.

Over the summer, Dr. Christine Brookbank, dean of academics, and English teachers, Jonathan Bennett and Eric Eble attended the International Boys School Coalition – Annual Conference at St. Mark’s School in Dallas, TX. There, they collaborated with educators of all-boys schools across the globe, focusing on the conference theme: The Path to Manhood. Topics of exploration included conversations around character and leadership, stewardship and civic responsibility, and inclusion and diversity.

Mr. Eric Eble

MOELLER WORKS TOWARD MENTAL WELLNESS

As of March 2021, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported that upwards of 6% of children ages 12-17 have been diagnosed with depression, and roughly 10% of that same demographic has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Compounded with the stress of a global pandemic, the normal stressors of pressure to succeed in school and on the field, balance between school and other facets of life, and transitions in mind, body, and spirit make balanced well-being a difficult goal. Yet, difficulty does not make such an objective impossible. In our efforts to empower students to engage in REALearning, the Moeller community explored mental wellness as the interdisciplinary focus for the 2021-2022 school year.

The interdisciplinary theme was led by Marty O’Malley, intervention specialist, and a committee of faculty and staff. The entire school community selected one of three books to read over the summer and students discussed these texts in their classes. Throughout the year, teachers gave TED Talks about their own journey with mental health and mental wellness, and parents were invited to a panel discussion with psychologists from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital on supporting adolescent mental wellness. The annual symposium featured student presentations and a keynote address from Army veteran Rick Yarosh on resiliency in the face of adversity.

Mr. Marty O’Malley

APEnglish Literature and Composition Students Crush the National Average

95% earned a passing score, meaning that they are eligible for college credit, compared to a global passing average of 77% on the exam.

In their sophomore, junior, and/or senior years, students may participate in college-level courses (Advanced Placement – AP). Students are required to take a standardized exam at the end of each course for college credit. Last year, 346 sophomores, juniors, and seniors sat for a total of 696 AP exams.

AP English Literature and Composition is one of our 24 AP classes offered to students. The course is equivalent to a college sophomore-level literature class, focusing on literary analysis and analytical writing. Lindy DeMaria and Justin Claypool, English teachers, each taught a section of this AP course and planned together. Out of the 41 juniors who sat for the AP English Literature and Composition exam, 95% earned a passing score, meaning that they are eligible for college credit, compared to a global passing average of 77% on the exam.