Mes Amies Fall 2010

a publication from Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

Mes Amies fall

2010 Issue \ 2

the science issue

Woodlands Dedicates New Science Center “As we gather this morning, we are reminded that through the ages and in our own 210-year Sacred Heart history, God has moved people to build houses of prayer and study,” said Gerald Grossman, Head of School.

“Honor and glory to God alone.”

I

n addition to beautiful choral and string ensemble music, those in attendance experienced the gentle rhythm of a series of readings and reflections which focused on the five Sacred Heart Goals. Presenters,

sion, and ethos. An outdoor procession to the entrance of the Science Center preceded a blessing of the door and each of the classrooms by mary charlotte chandler, rscj, a former Woodlands trustee

...the actual construction schedule was successfully cut in half, the budget for the project was stretched to include an extensive wish list of school enhancements, and the building qualified for LEED recognition for having been built environmentally consciously. including, among others, a current student and an alumna, spoke with passion and poise and captured the essence of Sacred Heart spirit, mis-

and a member of the United States Provincial Team of the Society of the Sacred Heart. The school community has no doubt that

abundant grace was at work during the Science Center project: the actual construction schedule was successfully cut in half, the budget for the project was stretched to include an extensive wish list of school enhancements, and the building qualified for LEED recognition for having been built environmentally consciously.

And none of these was anticipated at the outset.

The festivities celebrating the October 1 Science Center Dedication continued with a reception for guests and alumnae and a special goûter for all of the students.

A Day in Photos

Transforming Lives Capital Campaign Committee member Margaret Mary Barry O’Neill Conley ’49, husband John (right), and Head of School Gerald Grossman (left) pause during the festivities.

Ralph Elwart, Trustee and Science

A Blessing mary charlotte chandler, rscj recited a blessing in front of the door and in each of the classrooms of the new Science Center. “Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures: Grant that as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose.”

Center Building Oversight Committee Chair, lights an altar candle following his reflection.

From left: Tami Hoekstra Rocha ’80, Jenifer Dreiling Trimble ’80, and Tina Curran ’80 found time to catch up at the

Dedication reception.

Celebrating Women in Science Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is celebrating the inaugural year of its new state-ofthe-art Science Center with a year-long series of events and speakers. In addition, Woodlands is announcing two new science scholarships in memory of David L. Genger, Jr., parent and trustee whose enthusiasm for the Science Center project was extraordinary.

SPEAKER SERIES

tural anthropology and also taught math

will offer two science scholarships in

and science to secondary students as a

memory of david l. genger, jr. The

Peace Corps volunteer in Ghana.

Celebrating Women in Science scholarships will be awarded to incoming freshman to

Corbett speaks at Woodlands on Wednesday, April 6th at 7:00pm.

the 2011-2012 school year in the amount of $5,000. Offered only this one year, the awards are renewable for the full amount

Distinguished RSCJ woodlands academy is very fortunate to welcome two distinguished members of

years at Woodlands Academy.

the Society of the Sacred Heart as speak-

To apply for a Celebrating Women in Sci-

ers in the Celebrating Women in Science series. lynne lieux, rscj, Head of School at Sacred Heart Schools, Grand Coteau,

between girls and boys are not in what

the celebrating women in science speaker series welcomed bestselling author leonard sax, m.d., ph.d. on November 3 at 7:00pm. Dr. Sax is a family physician, psychologist, and founder of National Association for Single Sex Public Education. He believes that sex differences in ability are small or non-existent, but sex differences in motivation are very large. In other words: the big differences

Dr. Sax discussed his newest book, Girls on the Edge, and explored the effects on girls of the “cyberbubble” of instant messaging, texting, and social networking sites and how girls are struggling to find their centers. He offered inspiring and

ence Scholarship, applicants are required to write an essay about an influential mendation from her current grammar woman in science who inspires her, and school science teacher.

Application materials should be submitted to the Office of Admission and Financial Aid.

they can do but in what they want to do.

Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D.

for each of the student’s remaining three

“In other words: theSATURDAY big differences WORKSHOPS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS between girls and boys are not in what they can do but in what they want for tothe do.” with gratitude new Science Center comes Woodlands’ desire to share

practical recommendations for parents

our enthusiasm for STEM areas, and a

and teachers.

Louisiana, visits Woodlands on Friday,

program of Saturday math and science must also submit a recommendation from workshops next spring for middle school

January 7. Sister Lieux will speak to the

her current science students is just that.teacher.

A mathematically

christianne corbett (left) is co-

school community at 10:45am on the topic,

based scavenger huntshould calledbe “The Great Application materials submitted

author of Why So Few? Women in Science,

“My Life as a Physicist, an Educator, and a

to the Race” Office will of Admission and6th Financial Math lead 5th and grad- Aid.

Technology, Engineering, and Mathem-

Religious of the Sacred Heart.”

ers to different math stations around the

maureen glavin, rscj, Head of School

school.

This workshop, where participants SATURDAY WORKSHOPS FOR

Christianne Corbett

atics published last spring by the AAUW (American Association of University Women). She will discuss how social and environmental factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in science and engineering and how teachers and parents can encourage girls’ achievement and interest in math and science by creat-

at the Academy of the Sacred Heart, St.

dents, will be both rigorous and great fun.

Charles, Missouri visits Woodlands on Friday, April 15. Sister Glavin will speak to the school community at 10:45am on the topic, “The Integration of Science and Theology.”

All presentations are open to the public.

ing a “growth mindset.”

Following bachelor’s degrees in aerospace engineering and cultural anthropology from the University of Notre Dame, Ms. Corbett earned a master’s degree in cul-

will work with Woodlands faculty and stuMIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

SCHOLARSHIPS in honor of the Celebrating Women in Science celebration, Woodlands Academy

with gratitude for the Stations for experiments andnew laboratory Science Center comes Woodlands’ work in chemistry, biology, physics,desire and to share its enthusiasm for STEM areas, environmental science will welcome 5th and Saturday math and science workand 6th graders to each of the new labs shops for middle school students does in the Science Center.

After working with just that.

A mathematically based scavWoodlands faculty and students, particienger will huntbe called “Theprizes, Amazing Math pants awarded certificates, Decathlon” will lead 5th and 6th grade and tee shirts. girls to different math stations around

For more information visit our website at the school. Participants will work with www.woodlandsacademy.org

Woodlands faculty and students, and plans to be both rigorous and great fun.

the

Sacred Heart Passport

Recently in Rome, Meghan McWalters ’07 and her mother Julie McKinley ’74 were skeptical that their Sacred Heart alumnae status would actually work to gain them access to the fresco of Mater in that Trinita dei Monti was not yet open for the day. But, knock they did, and when they introduced themselves as Woodlands Academy alumnae, they were ushered in by the attending nun, who showed them the beautiful Mater and asked them to sign the special visitors’ book reserved for generations of Sacred Heart alumnae. The mother/daughter team wants

Stations for experiments and laboratory work in chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science will welcome 5th and 6th graders to each of the new labs in the Science Center. After working with Woodlands faculty and students, participants will be awarded prizes, certificates, and T-shirts.

For more information visit our website at woodlandsacademy.org

all to know that the Sacred Heart passport really does work!

around the halls Riley Pa rrott ’1 1 prays b the reliq efore uary of S t. Madele ine Sophie B arat at th e Church of St. Fra ncis Xav ier in Pari s.

The Class

of 2011 bega n the school year with an enth usiastic cele bration of se niority.

of vening . ed an e y jo n e try Club classes or Coun o 10 m 0 x 2 E n at Reunio iendship r and fr laughte

Congratulations Wildcats!

Woodlands Academy earned its second IHSA Regional title in five months, this time in volleyball as the Wildcats defeated The Willows Academy 2516, 25-21. Emma Rodriguez ’13 tallied 4 aces. Nicole Deberry ’12 had 5 kills and Rachel Woods ’14 had 2 kills in the championship match.

Woodlands lost a hard-fought battle in sectionals to Immaculate Conception 22-25, 10-25. Deberry posted 5 kills and 2 aces, while Woods had 3 kills and 1 ace. Christina Osorio ’11 had 8 assists. The Wildcats finished their season 17-10 overall and 4-3 in Independent School League (ISL) competitions, earning them a 3rd place finish in the league. Deberry and Osorio received ISL All-Conference honors, while Allie Good ’11 and Woods earned All-Conference Honorable Mention honors.

Congratulations also to Hannah Wilson ’11, who was named to the AllState and All-Conference teams for field hockey. Maggie Hambleton ’12 also earned All-Conference accolades, while Maryl Montagne ’11 received Honorable Mention.

Alumna Credits Woodlands with Readiness For Engineering, Life at Princeton I

t was in conversations with her science and math teachers

diversity has led her to the Conversation Partner Program, in

at Woodlands that lauren sykora ’07 began to see that

which she works with international grad students learning English.

engineering was a plausible and appealing course of continued studies. Woodlands faculty members encouraged Lauren, telling her the value of women in STEM areas.

“At Woodlands, BAM! Your freshman year, you take a World Religions class—four years later, I came to Princeton and actually met people

Saint Philippine Duchesne

Outstanding Alumna Award The Saint Philippine Duchesne Outstanding Alumna Award honors women of Woodlands Academy whose lives exemplify, to an extraordinary degree, the values and standards that Woodlands represents.

The Alumnae Association is proud to claim the following as past recipients:

Deborah Craft Schulz ’67 Jennifer Maloney O’Brien ’67

who practice all of those world religions,” Lauren said.

Grateful for the inclusive atmosphere she experienced at

“I liked math a lot, I liked physics, and I liked hands-on applications of them both, so then the question became not whether or not to study engineering, but in which discipline I’d like to focus,” Lauren said recently.

perspective and interest in student groups at Princeton, which have not only helped her grow in her own faith but share it with

Engineering and to minor in Materials Science and Engineer-

Working on a team of other mechanical and aerospace engineering students and using a paint can as a base, Lauren helped develop a small windmill, one that generates power enough to charge a cell

Last summer Lauren enjoyed an “awesome internship opportunity” at Exelon Corporation, where she worked in systems engineering

challenges of Princeton to be part of the fun, and though she and

at Dresden Generating Station, a nuclear plant in Morris, IL . In her

her fellow students sometimes struggle through challenging labs

senior thesis, she will further explore the development of power

and problem sets, “once we get the answer, it’s an incredible feeling of

converters for alternative energy applications worldwide. She is

accomplishment.”

eager for her team to begin fall racing, excited for her senior year.

leadership skills developed at Woodlands have prepared Lauren

Helen Bruns Ryan ’50

tive to the traditional windmills installed in such villages.

most renowned researchers in these fields. Lauren considers the

love of learning and a desire to serve others. The teamwork and

Courtney Driscoll ’98

namely in Africa, it provides a sturdy and easy-to-repair alterna-

ing at Princeton University, where she works with some of the

Lauren credits Woodlands Academy with instilling in her both a

Margaret Haggerty ’71

others as well.

phone battery. As part of a larger project for developing countries, Sykora chose to double-major in Mechanical and Aerospace

Monica Haggerty Jaekels ’82

Woodlands, Lauren has found that this strongly influenced her

Lauren plans to work in the Chicago area following graduation, coupling her engineering pursuits with the study of business in the future.

Woodlands Academy Alumnae Association is accepting nominations through January 15 for the 2011 award, and we invite your participation in the nomination process. Please review the award criteria on our website at woodlandsacademy.org.

to captain Princeton’s Women’s Crew Team for the second year, to serve on the Athletes in Action Leadership Team for the second year, and to be Treasurer, then President of the Princeton chapter of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Lauren also worked to start a Bible study with Athletes in Action, a Christian fellowship for athletes at Princeton.

To all who know Lauren, it is no surprise that campus involvements abound. Her appreciation for other cultures and love of

Grateful for the inclusive atmosphere she experienced at Woodlands, Lauren has found that this strongly influenced her perspective and interest in student groups at Princeton...

a analyze e dents u t s preserv e keshore Scienc la d n a ravine y nearby sored b m spon ra g ro omEd. p C t go and in a pilo a ic h C nds Openla

Sophomo re

s celebrate their reception o f Mater med als with bouquets an d pink goût er.

l Sacred Internationa ge has Heart exchan ents jumping Woodlands stud . for joy in Vienna

Woo dlan servic ds Ac e day adem at St. y Jun Malac iors hy’s in enjoy Chica go.

Sustainability the Focus of Outdoor Education Center Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart will host the 15th annual Winter Wonderwalk, a Holiday Tour of Homes, Idea House and Boutique on Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Don’t miss this year’s Idea House, showcased in the historic Ragdale House. Guests will find Ragdale brimming with wonderful holiday decoration imaginings.

Admission is $60.00 per person and

S

tep outside Woodlands’ new Science

element designed to remove silt and

world around them on a day-by-day and

Center to a one-of-a-kind learning

pollution from surface runoff water. The

year round basis. There is a bridge over

environment! In the beautiful Outdoor

water’s flow path is designed to maximize

bioswailing waters. The handsome cedar

Education Center students are able to

the time water spends in the swale, which

bridge affords students access over the

enjoy classes in a terraced amphitheatre

aids the trapping of pollutants and silt.

bioswale to the outdoor classroom during

with natural stone seating. The outdoor

The water efficient landscaping requires

wet times of the year.

classroom environment mirrors that of

no irrigation, as the plantings are drought

Descriptive signage educates students on topics related to the three biotic communi-

The outdoor classroom is in an environment which mirrors that of a Midwestern prairie state... what would have naturally grown on this ground many years ago.

ties. The signage also provides students and visitors an opportunity to understand

includes admission to the Cocktail Party, homes, boutique, and Idea House. Idea House admission is $35.00 and includes the holiday boutique. All tickets are held at the school.

A Boutique, held on the Woodlands campus, is $10 at the door and is open on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and reopens Tuesday night for a Cocktail Party from 6:00pm until 8:30pm.

sustainable approaches and practices on

The Boutique opens again at 9:00am

the site, such as rain water reclamation and

Wednesday, December 1, 2010, and closes

permeable pavers.

at 3:30pm.

The combination of the important stewardship a Midwestern prairie state. There are

resistant, and these native species will pro-

The Woodlands Academy Mothers Club

of our water supply and the respect for the

three thoughtfully designed and carefully

vide year round appeal and interest. The

sponsors this annual event to benefit Wood-

native plantings in our area makes Woodlands

cultivated ecosystems including woodland

landscape installation offers opportunities

lands Academy’s scholarship funds.

Academy’s Outdoor Education Center a

ravines, a bioswale, and a prairie ecosystem

for students to learn about environmental

learning environment that the school hopes

with a three-year plan to cultivate what

sustainability, medicinal plants, healthy

will be an example for replication at schools

would have naturally grown on this ground

eating, and wildlife—and students are

across the country.

many years ago. A bioswale is a landscape

able to observe, analyze, and interpret the

For more information, contact Tami Rocha, Woodlands Academy Event Coordinator, at 847.234.4300 x226 or visit our website at woodlandsacademy.org.

inside the numbers Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

the Woodlands Academy Science Center

4

Number of cinder blocks broken with a sledge hammer on Mr. Wilen’s chest in physics class demonstrations.

Percentage of Science Center construction waste diverted from landfills.

* Stay Connected 24/7 with

20%

75%

500

Number of eco-systems in the Outdoor Education Center.

Over 20% of the new Science Center was harvested/fabricated/ assembled from regional materials found within a 500 mile radius.

3

Percentage of Woodlands’ student body enrolled in a science class.

dollars in each Celebrating Women in Science scholarship.

Number of solar panels on the roof of the Science Center.

5000

133 97% 6 Number of kilowatts generated by the new Science Center solar panels during October.

Paid Permit No. 93 Lake Forest, IL 60045

Woodlands Academy 2.0 Over twenty percent of the New Science Center comes from recycled content.

Follow us on Twitter, become a Facebook fan, enjoy video on Woodlands Academy Tube, engage in discussions on The WA Blog, and much more.

Click Woodlands Academy 2.0 at the bottom of any page on our website for quick access to all the Woodlands Academy Web 2.0 offerings!