Bear Print Article Fall Edition FINAL (1) by Norwood-Fontbonne Academy

Exciting Homecoming Weekend Brings Community Together for Competitive Games

By Liam Murphy and Nicolas Cumpson

Homecoming weekend was an exciting event, even with some ups and downs for the teams. Held on Saturday, October 26, at Mt. Saint Joseph Academy, the day was flled with cheerful faces from all across the community. The games were competitive and thrilling to watch, keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The Junior Varsity Field Hockey team played a tough match against Ancille-Assumpta, putting in a strong efort. Although they couldn’t secure a win, with a fnal score of 2-0, the Bears showed incredible spirit and determination. Competing in the high-energy atmosphere of Homecoming is challenging, and the team should be proud of how well they played.

Homecoming weekend also brought an intense and unforgettable varsity soccer game for Norwood Fontbonne Academy! The Varsity soccer team faced of against Anchille, and though the game started with two early goals by the opposing team, the Bears refused to give up.

With their determination growing, Jennie Murphy fred back, scoring the Bears' frst goal with a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box. Her aim was perfect, landing the ball in the bottom right corner and closing the gap to 2-1.

Jabril Coleman settled the ball, and Jake Donovan’s shot defected of a defender. Finally, Sean Loder tapped it in, bouncing of another defender before sliding into the goal. The Bears’ hard work earned them a well-deserved tie against a tough team. Way to go, Varsity Bears!

Meanwhile, the Junior Varsity soccer team of Norwood Fontbonne Academy clinched an exciting win over Ancillae-Assumpta

Academy during homecoming weekend.

The second half was a nail-biter, with both teams battling hard. Just as the clock ticked down to the fnal moments, the Bears earned a corner kick. Max Endriss launched a perfect ball into the box, setting of a furry of action.

Several goals were scored by Jake Smith, Evan Tornetta, Nigel Baslece, and Jimmy Statichatis. NFA took an early 3-0 lead over Ancille, but goals scored by the opposing team soon tied it up. Soon thereafter NFA scored a goal, making the competitive game

4-3. Ancille was relentless and kept after the Bears, tying the game once again.

In the end, Jimmy Statchitas scored a heroic goal that secured the victory for NFA. “I never would have done it if it wasn’t for my teammates. They’re the ones who were able to get the ball down the feld and cross it to me. The feeling was great, just watching the ball go in the net, but if it wasn’t for my teammates , we wouldn’t be the champs of the CAL league, ” said Jimmy.

The team put in an impressive efort and should be very proud of their hard-earned win.

By: Kingston Tancredi

B-E-A-R-S! GO BEARS! The Norwood Fontbonne Academy spirit was unstoppable at the October 25th pep rally on the Fontbonne Campus. Held in the Fontbonne Commons, the rally kicked of an exciting weekend of homecoming games with cheers, music, and a whole lot of energy.

All six NFA teams burst through a giant banner as the crowd cheered them on, flling the room with excitement. Even Joey Bear made an appearance, bringing extra luck to the teams. “It got me very energized for

homecoming and it got the team energized to get a good result,” shared Santiago Figueroa-Clark about the rally’s impact.

The fun didn’t stop there! Students and teachers faced of in some friendly competitions that had everyone laughing and cheering. Mr. Clark and Ms. Condon joined in on the action, taking the court in games against students. “My favorite part of the pep rally is watching the teachers play against the students,” said 4th grader Carolyn Stotz.

Inside the Huddle: Football at NFA

By: Cece Roman

For years, Norwood Fontbonne Academy students in grades 4-8 have been stepping onto the feld, growing as athletes, teammates, and leaders. Football is one of the standout sports, with players learning skills that go beyond the game. Coached by Mr. Rock and Coach Corbain, the NFA football team is more than just a team, it’s a family.

We got the scoop from eighth-grade players Jayden Brown and Devin Tullís about what makes football at NFA so special. Devin, the team’s quarterback, has an action-packed role. “I throw the ball, run the ball, tackle… I do a lot!” he said with a grin. Jayden, who plays tight end, explained his role as a key supporter on the feld. “I execute and block, but all of it depends on Devin because he has to make the play,” he shared.

Both players have been passionate about football for years. Devin has been playing for nine years and proudly recalled his favorite memory: “Winning the championship last year. The team really came together that season. ” Jayden, who has been playing for ten years, agreed. “Winning the championship was so much fun!”

Football at NFA is more than just a sport; it’s a chance for students to build friendships, learn teamwork, and create memories that last a lifetime. With pride in their players and a commitment to teamwork, NFA’s football program is a touchdown success!

By Norah Bowers

This year, students in grades 4-8 got a brand-new opportunity to stay active and have fun with the launch of NFA’s cross country team. Starting this September, the team has been a great way to get involved, enjoy the outdoors, and build school spirit.

Cross country was created to give more students a chance to participate in afterschool activities. Eighth-grader Alexa Riethmiller shared what she loves most about being on the team. “The best part about cross country has been spending time with my teammates and running on the Lavender Trail. It’s amazing because we get to be independent and run on our own, ” Alexa said.

The team has also brought students closer together, creating bonds across grades. “It’s great that I can spend time with my teammates in other grades,” Alexa added.

With practices underway, the new cross country team is of to a fantastic start. Whether they’re running trails or cheering each o of this teamm somet

Spooktacular Fun at NFA’s Halloween Parade!

By: Max Endriss

On October 31st, NFA’s Fontbonne Campus was buzzing with excitement as the school celebrated its annual Halloween parade! Grades PreK-3 stole the show, walking through the campus near the Carriage and Gate Houses in their creative and colorful costumes.

Upper-grade students joined in the fun, handing out prizes and cheering on their younger peers. “It was so much fun seeing all the costumes! My favorite was the kid dressed as a dinosaur,” shared Stryder Ellis from 1A. Parents lined the parade route, snapping photos and enjoying the festive atmosphere as music played in the background. The costumes were a big hit, featuring everything from spooky skeletons to magical fairies and even superheroes saving the day. “Dressing up was awesome! I loved hearing everyone cheer as we walked by,” said First Grader Dougie DiSandro.

The Halloween parade was a perfect way to celebrate the holiday and brought the whole NFA community together for some frightful fun.

By: Josh Mark

On Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, the middle school students at Norwood Fontbonne Academy participated in a Service Learning Day that was all about helping others and learning important lessons about kindness and community. It was a chance to go out into the world, make a diference, and understand how we can all give back.

“Our Service Learning Day helps students understand what it means to serve others and h d ” d P k

school, stepping of campus and actually helping the community brings those lessons to life.”

The 6th graders worked with Friends of the Wissahickon, cleaning out rain gutters and raking leaves along a running path. They worked together to restore the trail’s beauty and learned how teamwork can have a big impact.

7th Grade packaging nutritious food at SHARE

The 7th graders helped at the SHARE Food Program, packing boxes of food for food insecure senior citizens who don’t always have enough to eat. They realized how

6th Grade helping the Friends of Wissahickon

important food is and how working efciently can help many people in need.

8th Graders helping in Camden.

The 8th graders split into two groups. Half of them went to Holy Name to spend time with little kids and build relationships. The other half visited the Joseph House of Camden, giving out food and clothes to people who needed them. Both groups saw how important it is to show care and kindness to others.

“Service learning pushes us out of our comfort zones, ” Mr. McKenzie said. “It helps students see how the lessons they learn in

school connects to real-world problems, especially for people who need the most help.”

This day of service wasn’t just about giving back, it was about growing as leaders and caring people. “Service learning inspires our students to use their time and talents for the good of others,” McKenzie explained. “It’s about discovering what leadership really means and stepping up to make a diference.”

In the end, NFA’s Service Learning Day helped students make an impact, learn life lessons, and build their sense of compassion and responsibility for others.

Sister service faith

Refecting on Nine Years: 8th Grader

James Busacco Shares His NFA Journey

By Max Endriss

James Busacco, an 8th grader at Norwood Fontbonne Academy, has been a part of the NFA community for nine years. In a recent interview, he shared some refections on his journey at NFA and thoughts on his fnal year at the school.

When asked about his favorite year so far, James said 5th grade stands out the most. “I had a great homeroom with a lot of my friends, and it made the year memorable,” he explained

This year, James’s favorite subject is English Language Arts (ELA). He credits this to Mr. Wood, his favorite teacher at NFA. “ELA is my favorite because of Mr Wood,” James said “He makes the subject engaging and enjoyable ”

James also spoke about what he appreciates most about being an NFA student. “My

favorite part of being an NFA student is the opportunity to get involved in so many activities outside of the classroom,” he shared

Looking ahead, James is excited about the rest of his 8th-grade year and the experiences that high school will bring.

Excited New Field Hockey Captain:

Lillian Virga

By Kiara Patel

This year at Norwood Fontbonne Academy, sixth grader Lillian Virga has been named one of the captains of the Junior Varsity Field Hockey team. The Field Hockey season starts in mid-August and wraps up in late October, with practices held at Mount Saint Joseph Academy.

As a captain, Lillian focuses on keeping her teammates motivated and energized. Alongside her co-captain, Sienna Stossel, she leads warm-up activities and helps the team stay prepared for games.

Lillian has been playing Field Hockey for two years and has worked hard to improve her skills, always giving her best efort at practices and games. “We have good players,” Lillian shared, showing her confdence in the team. The NFA community is proud to have such dedicated athletes representing the school!

St f S tli ht

Miss Sheridan shared that her experience at NFA has been nothing short of wonderful. “The students and staf are so kind and respectful,” she said. As for her favorite subject to teach, she explained, “ELA has always been my passion, but since I started teaching history, I’ve grown really fond of it too ”

One surprising fact about Miss Sheridan is that h i i ll l ned to go to law school! nged her career path at the sue teaching Before joining an completed her student na, which helped her gain e.

By: Peyton Felder

Have you ever wondered what life is like as a teacher at Norwood Fontbonne Academy? I had the chance to sit down with Miss Sheridan, one of NFA’s amazing 7th-grade teachers, to learn more about her journey and what she loves most about teaching here

her favorite part of being a dan said, “I love watching in the subjects I teach them ections with them along the wonderful addition to the er passion for teaching is she does. Students are lucky e can’t wait to see the impact ake in her classroom!

Bienvenidos, Profe Morales: NFA’s New Spanish Teacher

By: Joey Gallagher

In September, Norwood Fontbonne Academy warmly welcomed Profe Morales, our new middle school Spanish teacher. Profe brings

eight years of teaching experience, having taught at various schools. Her most recent position was in Doylestown, where she taught Spanish to students from Pre-K through 8th grade.

Although Profe loves teaching Spanish, she didn’t start her career in education “Before I became a teacher, I was in the travel industry,” she shared. “Once I started in a school, I knew this was for me. ” One of her favorite memories from teaching was with her Pre-K students who insisted they couldn't speak Spanish, while they were actually speaking it! at

Meet Ms. Kemple: Fr

Dreams to the Classr

By: Maxine Christy

Ms. Kemple, a sixth-grade teacher at Norwood Fontbonne Academy, shared some insights on her life as a teacher and a bit about her journey

Ms Kemple has been teaching at NFA for two years. She is the homeroom teacher for 6A and teaches Social Studies and English to all sixth graders, as well as a photography elective

When asked why she chose to become a teacher, Ms. Kemple explained, “I started in medical school, thinking I’d become a pediatrician, so I always knew I wanted to work with kids But in college, I started tutoring on the side and realized, ‘Wow, I really enjoy this!’ I found out I was good at explaining things, and that experience led me to teaching. I love it because I get to spend time with you guys!”

When asked about her favorite part of teaching at Norwood, Ms. Kemple said, “My favorite part is defnitely all of the kids. You’re all really cool!”

When I asked if she wasn’t a teacher, what would she be, Ms. Kemple told us, “I would

defnitely be a doctor, but when I was in college, I realized I was afraid of blood I also might become an artist ”

Ms. Kemple’s passion for teaching and working with students makes her a great ft for NFA.

Mr. Rock: Teacher, Coach, and NFA Alum

what inspired him to become a teacher, Mr. Rockenbach explained, “I knew I wanted to get into teaching at a young age I was fortunate to have some excellent teachers in middle school and high school. I thought it was a career where I could give back to a place that gave me a lot ”

By No pr

person who plays a big part in its success is Mr Rockenbach. Known as "Coach Rock," he’s not only the school’s Athletic Director but also a longtime teacher and coach “I’m in my 22nd year of full-time teaching at Norwood, and I’ve been coaching for about 15-16 years, ” he shared.

Coach Rock has led teams in football, softball, and basketball, bringing his passion for sports and teaching to every practice. When asked

As an NFA alum and graduate of St Joseph’s Prep, Mr. Rock has always been surrounded by great coaches who infuenced his path. What does he love most about NFA? “Students like you, Santiago, and getting back to a school that meant a lot to me, ” he said warmly.

But teaching and coaching aren’t his only passions. Mr. Rock also co-hosts a sports podcast with friends from high school “It’s called We Want the Ball; We’re Gonna Score, named after a famous line from Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck before a playof interception,” he laughed

Mr Rock embodies what it means to be an NFA alum dedicated, passionate, and eager to give back to the school that shaped him. From athlete to teacher to Athletic Director, Mr Rock continues to inspire NFA students

Welcome to the Creativity Corner! This special section of our school newspaper showcases the amazing talents of our students. From imaginative artwork and funny comics to creative writing and poetry, it’s a place to let your ideas shine. Want to see your work featured? Submit your creations to mstotz@norfon.org and share your voice with our school community!