October 2015 Newsletter - Albertus Magnus High School

October 2015
Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY
Robert J. Gomprecht, President
Volume 56 Number 1
Chris Power, Principal
Albertus Magnus HS Welcomes President Gomprecht!
Mr. Robert J. Gomprecht has been appointed president of Albertus Magnus High School by the
Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, sponsors and trustees of the school.
As president Mr. Gomprecht will be responsible for the overall operation of the school with particular responsibility for institutional advancement, finance, and strategic planning. He will be the
school’s primary spokesperson and faith leader of the school.
As principal of Fordham Prep, Mr. Gomprecht oversaw a major curriculum review, and recently
introduced a highly successful one-to-one computing program. He has supervised admissions
and participated in numerous alumni and parent activities. Previously, he served as Assistant
Principal, Chairperson of the Science Department, basketball coach, and student government
moderator. He has also chaired the Principals’ Council which oversees athletics for the Catholic
High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) in the metropolitan area.
Mr. Gomprecht received a BA and M.S in Biology and a Professional Diploma in School Administration from Fordham University. He lives in Westchester County with his wife, Alanna. His three
children, their spouses and six grandchildren are also Westchester residents.
Welcome Mr. Gomprecht!
Albertus Magnus Student Council
2015 – 2016
President
Vice-President
Secretary
Treasurer
Michael Padron
Samantha Heavner
Brendan Callahan
David Yakal
Junior Class Director – Paiyam Kardgar
Sophomore Class Director – Tori Paciello
Freshman Class Director – Steven Travaglini
Seniors Class Representatives
Eddie Faro
Matt Hawker
Isabella Bono
Domonique Smith
Juniors Class Representatives
Gina Valvo
Tonianne Zottoli
William Ward
Sophomores Class Representatives
Taylor Casquarelli
Kasey Kemmer
Ryan Silverstein
Freshman Class Representatives
Ashley Schumacher
Mary O’Connor
Mackenzie Nyemchek
FROM THE OFFICE OF CAMPUS MINISTRY
Where did the summer go? It seems like only yesterday I was writing this column and telling you to
have a “blessed summer” which I hope was the case. While the events of summer now fade into memory, we look ahead to the possibilities a new school year brings. I for one am happy to once again hear
the voices of young people in the hallways bringing new life and energy to the long silent days of July
and August.
From June 26th to July 1st, I once again had the privilege to attending the Dominican High School
Preaching Conference with four of our students, Philip Cipollina, Jake Holland, Reilly Golden and
Tonianne Zottoli. This five day event was held at Siena Heights University in Adrian, MI and was attended by over 100 students from 25 Dominican High Schools across the United States. The purpose is
to help students understand the values and traditions of the Dominican Order as well as how young people attending Dominican High Schools are called to preach using their gifts in service to others. Workshops are held in art, drama, dance, eco-spirituality, advocacy and much more. Students and mentors
plan prayer services and Masses as well as participate in service activities. This trip is made possible
through the sponsorship of the Dominican sisters of Sparkill and the students and I are grateful for their
generosity. Our Preaching Team is an outgrowth of this conference and works to find ways to bring the
charism of the Dominicans to all of us here at AM.
As our new school year began, our new Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors have begun serving the AM
community at Masses and we are encouraging students to begin to serve at the altar. Our 9-11 prayer
services were held in the Memorial Garden and we were blessed to have alum take place and participate. On September 17th, Campus Ministry sponsored a Service Fair during the lunch periods to help
students become aware of the opportunities to help the worthwhile service organizations in the county.
The many other Campus Ministry activities that will take place are:
9/25
9/30
10/4
10/23
10/29
Food Collection in honor of Pope Francis’ visit
Freshman Day of Reflection
Life Chain
Senior Midnight Run
Senior Retreat Day
Whew! That’s just for starters! I’m sure we will have a wonderful year and as always, I thank you in advance for the many ways you support the programs of Campus Ministry. God Bless!
- submitted by Sr. Nancy Richter, O. P.
The College Board Advanced Placement Scholar Awards
The following members of the Albertus Magnus High School Class of 2015 and the Class of 2016 have been recognized by
the College Board for achieving excellence on their AP Examinations.
AP Scholar with Distinction
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3
or higher on five or more of the exams.
Griffin Favre
Sean Healey
Jacqueline Hennelly
Kelly Houlihan
Kevin Leddy
Madison McGrath
Lauren Milano
Emily Roff
Gabrielle Valdez
Michael Waldron
AP Scholar with Honor
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3
or higher on four or more of these exams.
Emily Auld
Reilly Golden
Samantha Heavener
Kaitlyn Joong
Elisabeth Pappalardo
Chelsea Yagel
AP Scholar
Granted to a student who receives scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
Maxx Annunziata
Casey Bischoff
Megan Bragaglia
Brendan Callahan
Andrew Gallagher
Matthew Greico
Gabriel Lara
Timothy O’Connor
Jacklyn Onody
Michael Padron
Jason Pappalardo
Carly Winchell
Caroline Zemsky
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The Class of 2016 AP Scholars are currently taking AP courses in their senior year and some will be
AP Scholars with Distinction and AP Scholars with Honors after their completion.
ALBERTUS MAGNUS SENIOR STUDENT, PATRICK McAVOY,
CHOSEN TO GREET THE HOLY FATHER
Albertus Magnus is proud to announce that senior student, Patrick McAvoy, has
been selected to participate in a special way in the Holy Father’s visit to New York. On
Friday, September 25, 2015 Pope Francis will go to Our Lady Queen of Angels
School in Manhattan and Patrick has been chosen as one of twelve high school seniors to have the unique opportunity to greet the Holy Father during this school visit.
Patrick, a resident of Stony Point, was selected at Albertus Magnus from the members of his senior class for this honor. As a senior Patrick has consistently excelled
academically, spiritually and athletically at Albertus Magnus. He is recognized by the
administration at Albertus as someone who is committed to his Catholic faith and will
genuinely appreciate the opportunity and experience of meeting Pope Francis.
Patrick graduated in 2012 from St. Gregory Barbarigo School in Garnerville, New
York and is an excellent model of a Catholic student.
Art News
This year the Art Department featured art works by several alum to exemplify the concepts and media
students learn about and work with in the Visual Arts classes. Here is an example of some of the
pieces that were on display!
-Submitted by Ms. Jen Wassmer
MUSIC NOTES
A "BUONA FESTA" INDEED!
On Sunday, July 19th, members of Veritas and their families joined Mrs. Rizzo in providing music for a special Italian Mass celebrating
the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The Mass was held at St. Patrick's Church in Verplanck, New York.
A tradition for 93 years and counting, everyone processed through the streets after Mass with Our Lady of Mount Carmel leading the
way. The day concluded by enjoying Italian foods and a carnival! Although it was one of the hottest days of the summer, it was also one
of the most memorable!
6th ANNUAL COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER
Be on the lookout for your chorus or band student to come home with a fundraising packet. Information will also be available on Mrs.
Rizzo's website. Support the Music Department--delivery will be right in time for Thanksgiving!
- submitted by Mrs. Nadia Rizzo
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ATHLETICS
The Girls Soccer team is off to a tremendous start this Fall. The team's record is 7-2 going into the week of September 28.
The Lady Falcons have received outstanding leadership and play from senior captains Carly Clinton and Hope Kehoe. Senior defenders Kyra Berkner, Amanda Silvestri and Madison Mari are anchoring the defense that has only conceded 5 goals
in 9 games. The Lady Falcons have also received major contributions from juniors Elizabeth Benedetto, Val Monaco, Anna
Hennelly, Jenna Vogelsang, and Mazie Stiles. Junior goalkeeper Kaitlyn Kreider owns a minuscule 0.55 Goals Against Average. Sophomore Danielle LaRochelle is one of the leading goal scorers this season.
Please come out and support the team at our Homecoming game under the lights on Saturday, October 10 at 6:00pm vs.
league rival Pearl River. It promises to be worth the price of admission!
-submitted by Coach Tim Gavan
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NEW FACULTY
Laura Brennan joins Albertus as a Foreign Language teacher. She is a sub for Daniela Munting who will be going on maternity leave
any day. Laura has a BA in Spanish from SUNY Cortland. She is working on MST in Spanish Education at St. Thomas Aquinas College.
She was a teacher at Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center and a graduate assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Brittany Boucher joins Albertus as a Social Studies teacher. She has a MA in Education with Specialization in Special Education. She
has Certification for Students with Disabilities and a BA in History. Brittany was a Social Studies teacher in the Clarkstown Central
School District.
Theresa Hanneman joins Albertus as a Math teacher and in the Technology Dept. She has a MS in Instructional Technology for Educators (Jan, 2015) and a BA in Education – Mathematics. She is certified Grade 7-12 Mathematics. She studied at Dominican College
and New York Institute of Technology. Theresa previously worked at Maria Regina High School in Hartsdale.
Una Miller joins us as Director of Development & Alumni Affairs. She has MS in Human Resources Management from New School for
Social Research & a MBA, Management from Fordham University. She joins us from JP Morgan Chase, NY, NY.
Bertha Santos rejoins us as a Foreign Language teacher. She has a MA in Spanish Literature from Lehman College. Bertha worked at
Albertus as a substitute in 2013 and 2014.
Brian Stritmater joins Albertus as a Social Studies teacher. He has a MS in teaching (May, 2015) and Certification NY State Social Studies (Grade 7-12). Brian studied at St. Thomas Aquinas College. Brian was a student teacher at Suffern High School
Guidance Corner
Attention Juniors and Seniors:
Upcoming individual visits scheduled. Students should sign up in the Guidance office for a pass.
Please check Naviance for updates.
Towson University
Mon September 28, 2015
11:30 AM
Centenary College
Tue September 29, 2015
9:00 AM
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Tue September 29, 2015
11:30 AM
SUNY College at Oneonta
Tue September 29, 2015
1:15 PM
Boston University
Wed September 30, 2015
8:20 AM
Syracuse University
Wed September 30, 2015
11:20 AM
The College of New Jersey
Wed September 30, 2015
1:00 PM
Albertus Magnus College
Thu October 1, 2015
9:00 AM
Binghamton University
Thu October 1, 2015
11:45 AM
Fairfield University
Tue October 13, 2015
10:30 AM
Mount Saint Mary College
Tue October 13, 2015
12:00 PM
Montclair State University
Fri October 16, 2015
9:00 AM
New York University
Fri October 16, 2015
11:00 AM
Merrimack College
Fri October 16, 2015
1:00 PM
The University of Scranton
Mon October 19, 2015
8:17 AM
Caldwell University
Mon October 19, 2015
10:30 AM
James Madison University
Wed October 21, 2015
8:20 AM
Stonehill College
Wed October 21, 2015
11:00 AM
SUNY College at Potsdam
Wed October 21, 2015
11:30 AM
SUNY College at Potsdam
Wed October 21, 2015
1:00 PM
Sacred Heart University
Tue October 27, 2015
11:30 AM
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Tue October 27, 2015
1:00 PM
University at Buffalo The State University of New York
Wed October 28, 2015
9:00 AM
Marist College
Wed October 28, 2015
10:15 AM
SUNY College at Geneseo
Mon November 2, 2015
9:15 AM
Villanova University
Mon November 2, 2015
11:00 AM
Seton Hall University
Mon November 2, 2015
1:00 PM
Moravian College
Thu November 5, 2015
9:00 AM
State University of New York at New Paltz
Mon November 9, 2015
1:00 PM
Manhattan College
Tue November 10, 2015
10:00 AM
Quinnipiac University
Mon November 16, 2015
11:00 AM
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Tue November 17, 2015
9:00 AM
Guidance Corner
Seniors – Class of 2016
Thank you to the Parents that attended the Naviance Workshop in September. Your support is much appreciated.
Guidance Counselors visited senior classes to assist students with matching the common application with Naviance, and preparing activity sheets. The students are very busy finalizing College applications and essays. Please
note that all yellow sheets must be submitted to Guidance at least ten school days prior to the college application deadline. Good Luck to the Seniors!
Juniors - Class of 2017
The Juniors are scheduled to sit for the PSATS on October 14 th, 2015. Results will be available mid December. We
recommended that juniors visit as many colleges as they can this year. Go directly to college websites to find open
house schedule and tour dates. Please use Naviance to assist with your college research.
Sophomores – Class of 2018
As the rigor of your courses increases continue to strive to earn the best grades possible. Stay involved in after
school activities and continue to build your resume.
Freshmen - Class of 2019
Grades matter from the beginning of 9th grade until the end of 12th grade. College may seem a long way off when
you’re in your first year of high school, but those grades will affect your GPA and class rank. Be sure to take advantage of 9th period and extra help as much as possible as there are peer tutors there ready and willing to help you!
Remember, your mentors are there for you; if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to them.
Don’t be an 8 to 2’er – get involved!
Attention Junior and Senior Athletes - students that are interested in playing collegiate level athletics ,
Division I or Division II, are required to register with The NCAA Eligibility Center @
www.eligibilitycenter.org.
Once registration is complete student athletes are responsible to do the following:
Advise their Guidance Counselor to send an official transcript to the Clearinghouse.
Send SAT/ACT scores NCAA directly from College board/ACT.
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Albertus Magnus Field Day 2015
Albertus Magnus hosted its second annual Field Day on Wednesday, September
23rd for the 7th & 8th graders from five elementary schools located within the
Rockland County area: Sacred Heart, St. Anthony, St. Gregory, St. Margaret &
St. Paul, Valley Cottage and the Academy of St. Paul Ramsey, NJ. We had approximately 260 students participate. The day was a tremendous success with
picture perfect weather. In an atmosphere of friendly competition and school
spirit, the students participated in several athletic events including football,
soccer, track, lacrosse, baseball, softball and basketball, and cheerleading. Lunch was provided, and we had a DJ, who added to the festivities. Congratulations to the 1st Place Field Day winner: Academy of St. Paul, Ramsey, NJ,
and to the Spirit Award winner: St. Margaret of Pearl River. Mrs. Power sends a special thank you to all of our coaches for their help
in making the second annual Field Day event such a great success – Coaches McFadden, Gavan, Lopez, Anderson, Freeman, Holland,
Ostolozaga, Fitzpatrick, and Villanueva.
Also a special thank you to those student athletes that worked the event and made our visiting students feel at home. Go Falcons!!
Please join us for the following events for our 2015
Homecoming Weekend
Friday
October 9th
6:00 pm
Alumni Reception
Friday
October 9th
7:00 pm
Football game
Saturday
October 10th
4:00 pm
Mass (Tom Collins
Gymnasium)
Saturday
October 10th
5:00 pm
Barbeque (lower
fields)
Saturday
October 10th
6:00 pm
Girls Varsity Soccer
Saturday
October 10th
7:00 pm
Alumni Reception
Saturday
October 10th
8:00 pm
Boys Varsity Soccer
GOLF OUTING—JUNE 29, 2015
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, September 30
-
Freshman Retreat
Sunday, October 4
-
Life Chain
Friday, October 9
-
HOMECOMING—Pep Rally—Football 7:00 pm
Alumni Reception—6:00 pm
Saturday, October 10
-
HOMECOMING—Mass 4:00 pm—BBQ—5:00 pm
Girls Soccer 6:00 pm—Boys Soccer 8:00 pm
Alumni Reception—7:00 pm
Sunday, October 11
-
HOMECOMING Dance—7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Monday, October 12
-
Columbus Day—School Closed
Wednesday, October 14
-
PSAT—Grade 11 & Staff only—11:30 am Dismissal
Thursday, October 15
-
National Honor Society Induction—8:30 am
Friday, October 16
-
Progress Reports Mailed—Senior Midnight Run
Tuesday, October 20
-
College Tables—11:00 am—1:00 pm
Friday, October 23
-
Mass—Senior Midnight Run
Sunday, October 25
-
Open House 12:00 pm—3:00 pm
Monday, October 26
-
Open House Holiday—School Closed
Tuesday, October 27
-
Open House—6:30 pm—8:30 pm
Thursday, October 29
-
Senior Retreat
Friday, October 30
-
Halloween Senior Costumes
Sunday, November 1
-
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Monday, November 2
-
Food Drive Begins
Tuesday, November 3
-
Election Day/Staff Development Day
No Student Attendance
Friday, November 6
-
COOP Exam—No Student Attendance
Saturday, November 7
-
SAT Exam