a publication from Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
Mes Amies spring
2011 Issue \ 3
the innovation issue
Sustainable Solutions : WA Students Brew Biodiesel, Focus Career Interest
W
hat do you get when you
process.” First, they needed something
“What makes fuel bad is that
mix taco grease with
to process. Major agribusinesses
when you burn any fuel, you make
Lake Forest’s Woodlands
would use switch grass or corn but
carbon dioxide. When you burn
Academy of the Sacred Heart students
Tilton said, “We want the kids to see
petroleum, it’s from carbon that’s
and Loyola University’s Community
that we can take waste product and
been sequestered in the Earth for
Outreach Program? Smarter students
make it into something that is useful and
thousands of years,” said Tilton. “If
With the Loyola processor, students
with stomach aches, perhaps, but
reusable.”
you burn a fuel that was produced
put the vegetable oil through a
from plants on the surface, the carbon
multi-day process of heating, mixing
dioxide was already there on the
with potassium hydroxide (lye), and
surface, so you’re not adding any extra
spraying it with water to wash and
when the university loans its biodiesel processor, you get fuel for buses and glycerol for soap.
Tacos el Norte in Libertyville donated two gallons of waste vegetable oil. “It was very interesting. Different odors,”
The Process
to the atmosphere.”
“dry” the oil, all to separate it from
received four gallons from McDonald’s
Lyden was impressed “how something
was hand-cranked through a very
that Loyola had a grant from the
on Waukegan Road in Lake Forest and
as simple as that (vegetable oil)
fine filter into containers.
Environmental Protection Agency
the rest from the school’s kitchen.
really can help the environment and
They created almost six gallons of
Last summer, Linda Tilton, a
the instructor commented. She
Woodlands science teacher, learned
to build and loan the equipment to schools to teach students how biodiesel is made. This semester about 50 students from Woodlands’ Chem Club and her chemistry and environmental science classes are learning the process and its impact. Zach Waickman, head of the Loyola program, met with students and explained the program, science behind it, and global impact biodiesel can have. They were almost off and running.
“It was cool that we could use something average that we use every
it doesn’t affect the environment as much as gasoline.”
day and turn it into something that
At the beginning of the course, some
can power things,” said Kate Flint, a
of Tilton’s senior-year students had
senior from Lake Forest, and a student
aspirations of becoming a lawyer or a
in last semester’s environmental
writer, but by the end, she said, “they
science class.
could see themselves tying this into
Added Tilton, “It cost my husband and me a little elbow grease to clean it all up
water and other impurities. Then, it
a low-quality but usable biodiesel. Woodlands has no machines which could run on it, so it’ll be donated to Loyola.
law or any other kinds of majors they would try in college.”
afterwards,” but otherwise it was free,
Flint’s goals were sharpened by
and it saved eight gallons from going
the program. “I wanted to go into
to a landfill. Students would separate
engineering before the class and it
this into biodiesel for fuel and glycerol
definitely solidified that I want to go into
Leann Lyden, a senior from Lake
or fat. “It’s expensive to create, hard to
environmental engineering,” she said.
Forest and in Tilton’s first-semester
find, and expensive to buy the vehicles
environmental science class, was
and machinery which run on it,
excited about “green” energy and
however, Loyola does it,” said Tilton.
said, “We knew from experience about
“They’ve converted lawnmowers and
biodiesel fuel from the buses in Chicago,
other equipment, and the buses they
and we were excited to get involved in the
drive on campus.”
By Steve Handwerker/Reprinted by permission of the editor, Lake ForestLake Bluff Patch at Patch.com.
Photo courtesy of Steve Handwerker
5
Celebrating Women in Science
scientists catalyze student thought Thomas Lane, Ph.D. it is chemistry that makes possible extraordinary innovations in the pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetics industries, to name a few, Dr. Thomas Lane told his audience. It is chemists who develop flame retardant materials for firefighters, heat shields for space craft, and long-lasting lipstick. Chemists can help solve the problems of adequate food supply,
MSOE Math Competition proud members of the only all-girl team, eight Woodlands students came in 13th out of 24 at the recent Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Math Competition. It was
clean water, and other challenges facing the world.
Woodlands’ first involvement in this contest, which included five 20-minute rounds:
An engaging speaker whose lively and fact-filled presentation included poking fun at his
our very bright pioneer competitors!
algebra, geometry, advanced math, problem solving, and a team round. Congratulations to
own bow tie and bare head, Dr. Lane delighted his audience with compelling evidence of the importance of chemistry. The immediate past President of the American Chemical Society, Dr. Lane is a chemist and former director of global science and technology outreach at Dow Corning Corporation who earned his Ph.D. in Physical- Organosilicon Chemistry from The Open University, Milton Keynes, England. Woodlands Academy’s celebrating women in science welcomed Dr. Lane in commemoration of 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry as well as the 100th anniversary of Marie Curie’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
mathalon the middle school-age girls built skyscrapers from paper, utilized estimation skills,
Lynne Lieux, RSCJ
and recreated distance vs. time graphs using CBR motion detectors in conjunction with
in january, Lynne Lieux, RSCJ, Headmistress of Schools of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau, Louisiana, addressed the Woodlands community as a guest in the celebrating women in science Speaker Series. Her topic, “My Life as a Physicist, an Educator, and a Religious of the Sacred Heart,” provided all gathered a glimpse into her journey and how the paths she chose in her educational and religious life led here to where she is today. Following her presentation, Sister Lieux enjoyed a luncheon in her honor attended by Woodlands alumnae. Pictured with Sister Lieux (second from right) are (from left) Marni Soderland Mans ’90, Allison Mitchell Solomon ’91, Chelsea White ’09, Woodlands Academy Alumnae Board President Maureen Hogan Lang ’56, and Helen Bruns Ryan ’50.
graphing calculators. It was all part of the January 22 Mathalon hosted by Woodlands’ Math Department—a morning of math challenges designed to encourage young girls to pursue studies in mathematics. Teams of three girls each ventured to stations in Woodlands’ new multimillion dollar Science Center and elsewhere to solve problems and hone skills. Awards were given to the top three finishers at the event’s conclusion. Lake Forest Country Day School took First Place, Saints Faith, Hope & Charity of Winnetka earned Second Place, and Lake Bluff Middle School came in Third.
around the halls
Karly Ander son ’12 Woodla re nds sign et ring congratu an lations from Ma Hannah r Wilson ’11 at Ju nio
Chelse a Fuen te ’11 (r spot on ight) ea the cov rned a e ted 2010 Leaders -11 Daily hip Tea Herald m. Chris earned tina Oso Honora rio ’11 (l ble Men eft) tion.
d Grossman
hool Geral ith Head of Sc arthy ’13 w tlin L. McC ai C s nt se pre onor Award ore Class H the Sophom scholastic the highest ng ni ai nt ai for m ter. r the semes average fo
d presente dents re u t s s d an Nations Woodl el United ago the Mod t a e c e y of Chic Gre Universit e th f o House. ce e Palmer Conferen ary at th ru b e F ) in (MUNUC
New Strategic Plan Charts Course
Alumnae Spotlight
Malena Boyle ’00
KATHRYN BATEMAN ’04
AMY REEDY ’04
Following participation from all constituent groups of the school community, last December The Board of Trustees of Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart unanimously approved Strategic Goals for the Year 2016.
malena writes, “I work for Chicago
kathryn writes, “In April 2009, I
amy writes, “I received international
Public Schools, and I teach severely and
graduated from the University of Michigan
recognition for my senior thesis at
profoundly handicapped children with
with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Colorado College, which showed that
autism ages 6-7. It is a challenging and
Engineering, and prior to graduating
over time, women are forced not only
difficult job, but it is one that I am strongly
I was hired by Shell Oil as a drilling
to overcompensate and over -perform
committed to. I chose to teach students with
engineer. I started full time work in
for equal affirmation in the classroom,
special needs because I wanted to show them
Denver, Colorado in June 2010 and now
but also that they come to find their
hope, joy, and especially love.
work as a drilling foreman on a natural
voices in different ways from men,
gas rig in Wyoming.
pushed into passive positions through
To have a world class faculty
the use of low-status markers called
It is our intent to attract and retain exceptional faculty by offering a generous compensation package and by providing substantive opportunities for professional development.
“The love of my teachers at Sheridan Road and Woodlands influenced my choice of profession, and I wanted to bring that love to students in need. No day is easy, and being a teacher of my students requires a
backchannel responses.
“As a drilling foreman, no
“After graduating, I was hired as a legal
two days are alike. My main
assistant for the Federal Public Defenders
great deal of skill, patience, courage, but
responsibilities include managing
Office in Los Angeles when I worked with
most importantly love. My dream always
safety and coordinating the
defendants on Death Row and illegal
through my faith I realized that I did not
many moving parts of a fully-
on creative projects in music and film. I
have to work in a Sacred Heart school to
functioning gas rig.”
was to be a Sacred Heart educator, but
be a Sacred Heart educator. I can spread
immigrants. Later, I began to focus solely have worked on over 25 films, including my own music video that went ‘viral,’ getting
the vision of Madeleine Sophie and the
20,000 hits. I just found out that I have been
aspects of ‘Life at the Sacred Heart’ in
When I am not in Wyoming, I spend most
accepted into USC Film School, the most
my work at other schools. I can show the
of my time in Colorado, which gives me
competitive film program in the world, and I
importance of God’s love through my actions
an opportunity to enjoy skiing, biking,
will work on my MFA in Film and Television
and love for my students.”
and hiking.”
Production specializing in Directing.”
The goals implement the following Vision for Our Future: That we will be providing our students with an exceptional all-girls education, and there will be excellence in all we do.
To offer a global education It is our intent to educate our students to be global citizens and members of the global community through a broader curriculum, more varied opportunities for exposure to the world outside of Woodlands, and outside of the United States—building on the potential the International Sacred Heart Network offers as well as the potential of a renovated, vibrant Boarding School with students from around the world.
To achieve a strong financial position
Attention Alumnae! Reunion Weekend 2011 Reunion weekend begins Friday, September 30 | Celebrating class years ending in 1s and 6s | Honoring special guest Fran de la Chapelle, RSCJ, Head of School 1983-1991 | Please visit www.woodlandsacademy.org for details.
New E-News Letter Enjoy our first issue of Branchée launching this month and arriving in your inbox.
Emails Needed Please help Woodlands be green by updating your email address. Kindly send updated information to ljashelski@woodlandsacademy.org.
It is our intent to develop predictable financial stability for the school—building on a diversity of income sources, while also ensuring we have a robust endowment. Three Task Forces, one for each goal above, began work in February to develop a sense of what it would look like to accomplish the goal and what the primary steps would be to get there. The Strategic Planning process identified seven Core Values, values lived every day and recognized by all constituents: that Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a faith-based community with a moral structure; that there is a culture of excellence – academic, and otherwise; that this is single sex education, empowering women; that there is a commitment to service; that Woodlands offers global connections and opportunities; that this education is of the whole person; that diversity is a priority.
Ten int ernatio nal Sac exchang red Hea e studen rt ts from Sa Coeur V cré ienna jo ined Wo art stud odlands ents for d ocent to Milwauk urs of th ee Muse e um of A rt.
eceived her nd affec tionate rgaret Y oung ’11 and or Ring Ceremo ny.
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nges excha lo ’12) il r r a er ’11) C g (Gabi n Gen o s sh y ll u A South Forb cque ( nce of a de Be Nellie m e r il o f m y per with E energ words ’ highs d n la od in Wo c. ifi c Pa
All-girl schools develop leaders Excerpts from an article written by Dr. Patricia L. Fagin, Head of School Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, Princeton, New Jersey.
Save the
Date Congé Saturday, April 30, 2011
“
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart
…Our 21st-century knowledge economy
predisposition toward co-curricular
As skills in initiative-taking and critical
cordially invites you to the 38th annual
requires new basic skills of all learners:
engagement, and greater political
thinking grow in importance, all-girl
Congé on Saturday, April 30, 2011.
Critical thinking/problem solving;
engagement than their peers graduating
schools provide the critical environment
collaboration/leading by influence;
from co-educational high schools. Though
necessary for girls to master these skills.”
agility and adaptability; initiative and
graduates of all-girl schools represent only
entrepreneurialism; effective oral and
a small fraction of all secondary school
written communication; the ability to
graduates, 25 percent of women in Congress
assess and analyze information; curiosity
and 33 percent of women Fortune 500 board
and imagination. As the head of an all-
members attended all-girl schools.”
girl school…I am struck by how femalecentric many of these critical 21st-century skills are. What a unique position all-girl schools are in to further develop those innate strengths.”
of collaboration and communication are
atmosphere makes a profound difference.”
their egalitarian communication style
institutions. Graduates of single-sex
is focused on consensus building and,
high schools have superior academic
thereby, more collaborative in nature.”
and computer skills, greater interest in engineering careers, a stronger
available. Cocktail attire required.
discussion. Over time, day by day, this
peers graduating from co-educational
confidence in mathematical ability
Sponsorship opportunities are also
a girl. Field hockey is the most important
the future. The 21st-century survival skills
to experts, are hard-wired. In addition,
academic self-confidence, higher
7:30pm. Tickets are $160 per person.
organization: The senior class president is
classroom, girls are at the center of every
of all-girl schools have the edge on their
interest in graduate school, higher
Paddle Raise for Scholarship begins at
girls lead every club and every student
we can guarantee their success well into
skill for which girls’ brains, according
engagement, higher SAT scores, greater
Silent Auction. Dinner, Live Auction and
Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart],
fall sport — not football. And in the
grounded in the ability to empathize — a
“…[Girls’ schools] foster an atmosphere where girls speak out. Paradoxically, the same school culture fosters a reverence for collaboration: Partnerships thrive in an
kicks off at 6:00pm with cocktails and the
“At Stuart Country Day School [and at
“By capitalizing on girls’ innate strengths
“We already know that current graduates
This year’s theme, The Power of Dreams,
Dr. Fagin has 35 years of experience in the field of education. She earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and holds an Education
The Woodlands Academy Mothers Club sponsors this annual event to benefit Woodlands Academy. For more information, contact Tami Rocha, Woodlands Academy Event Coordinator, at 847-234-4300 x226 or visit our website at woodlandsacademy.org.
Specialist Degree in Secondary and Special Education Administration from the University of Missouri, a Master’s Degree in Media Communications with Honors from Webster University and a Bachelor’s Degree with Highest Honors from Fontbonne College.
atmosphere where everyone is heard.
inside the numbers
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage
The Benefits of an All-girls Education
80
75%
Girls’ school graduates are three times more likely than their coed peers to consider pursuing a career in engineering.
Percentage of girls in single gender classes who scored proficient on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), as compared to 59% of girls in coed classes.
Students who attended single gender schools earned higher SAT scores, outscoring their coed counterparts by 40 points.
of all female members of Fortune 100 boards graduated from all-women’s colleges.
90%
1/3
* Stay Connected 24/7 with Girls are free from sexual harassment that affects almost 90 percent of girls in co-ed high schools.
Percent of female graduates of independent single-sex schools who rate their math ability “above average.”
40
In science and math, girls’ school alumnae majored at a higher rate than females and males nationally (compared to 2% females and 10% males nationally).
3x
Girls perform between 15 and 22 percentile points higher on standardized tests when they attend all-girls schools.
13%
Percentage of girls’ school alumnae who excel in leadership roles after high school.
15-22
48%
Paid Permit No. 93 Lake Forest, IL 60045
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