Mustang Monthly
One of the many highlights this past month was a very engaging student assembly titled “Why Be Catholic.” Speaker Tony Bellizzi, founder of Hope for the Children Foundation, spoke about the correct way to handle life’s challenges and that being Catholic is having a personal relationship with Jesus -- the secret to our purpose in life. The presentation was a way for students to prepare for our Lenten season which began with a very special Ash Wednesday Mass celebrated by Rev. James Cole. Father Cole reminded students to approach Lent seriously but without sadness, soberly but not gloomily, for it is a time of grace and hope, a time to experience the presence and love of God. In addition to extended Adoration hours in the Chapel, students will be engaged in almsgiving by either tutoring at a local elementary school, collecting food for families, volunteering at their local Church and more. During this intensely penitential time, students will participate in reconciliation services to reflect on how to open their hearts to Jesus and on all that God has done for us through His Son.
In addition to celebrating our students, we have had the opportunity to celebrate two very exceptional teachers for their innovative programs. Foundations in Education, a non-profit initiative that assists Catholic schools in Fairfield County with grants for innovative academic and leadership initiatives, awarded two of our teachers grants for their innovative programs. Art teacher Leslie Quinn received a $5,700 grant for a Pop-Up Art Program. "Pop-up" displays will exhibit artwork both in and out of the school allowing the school and local community to see what wonderful work is being created by our Fine Arts students and will prepare students for the college level. There will be six displays with two portable screens and two document cameras with microphones. The cameras will allow for large demonstrations of real-time techniques projected on a screen for drawing and watercolor techniques and instructional learning.
Math and Engineering teacher Jeanine Antonios received a $3,000 grant to purchase a 3D printer for use in her Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering classes and for the school’s award-winning Engineering Club. The students will now be able to build their Auto Desk prototypes using the 3D printer and then evaluate their solution, an important step in the design process. Thanks to the support of Pratt and Whitney and Mrs. Antonios, our student engineers are once again invited to compete in the national Real World Challenge competition in Washington, D.C. after winning the State title. The Real World Design Challenge (RWDC) is an annual high school competition run by a public-private partnership with the goal of increasing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. The partners are focused on working within the context of the American educational system to transform STEM education in the United States by providing professional science, engineering and learning resources to students and teachers.
Our rolling admissions for the 2020-21 school year continues. We look forward to welcoming our new students who will be registering for their courses in the next few weeks. Our 2020-21 Course Guide Book is posted on plusportal and can be viewed here. If you are interested in learning more about our programs or school community, please do not hesitate to contact Tom Burns, Admissions Director, at tburns@myimmaculatehs.org or Anne Soltes-Foscato, Assistant to the Director of Admissions, at asoltes@myimmaculatehs.org.
Our Mustangs on the Road team had the opportunity to meet some of our alumni who live in the Washington, D.C. area. It was an exceptionally great time for sharing some fun memories, their amazing accomplishments as well as for them to catch up on some of the excitement and happenings at Immaculate. If you would like our Mustangs on the Road team to stop by your area please contact our Director of Alumni Relations, Denise Suarez, at dsuarez@myimmaculatehs.org.
Our School Advisory Board is a fabulous team of professionals who not only support our school efforts but engage in visionary planning and reflection of the school’s mission and sustainability. Please click here to read a copy of the Immaculate High School 2020 State of the School Report.
As you read through this Mustang Monthly edition, please know that we are most grateful for the support of so many so that we can offer an exemplary educational experience for our students. Thank you in advance to all of you who have supported us in the past and who will continue to support us. Visit the Advancement section of this Mustang Monthly to learn more about our largest fundraising event, our upcoming 15th Annual Spring Gala scheduled for March 21 at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.
Mary R. Maloney
President