October 12, 2011

ARCHDIOCESE — Two Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati — All Saints School in Kenwood, and St. Columban School in Loveland — have been named among the best in the nation, earning national Blue Ribbon Schools designation.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools award, bestowed by the U.S. Department of Education, honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at high levels or where the achievement gap has narrowed. This year, 305 schools received the honor.

More than 6,500 U.S. schools have won the award since 1982. To win, schools must meet one of two criteria: have students who are high performing, as on state assessments, or, in the case of private schools, on nationally normed tests, or have al least 40 percent of students from disadvantaged backgrounds improve their performance to high levels, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.

The U.S. Department of Education takes nominations from a top education official in every state, and each private school is invited to apply. The National Blue Ribbon Schools will be honored at a conference and awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., Nov 14-15. Both archdiocesan schools are currently planning their own celebrations involving students, faculty, staff, parents and parishioners. All Saints and St. Columban join a large list of archdiocesan schools that have won this award.

Carroll High School and Chaminade Julienne High School are among the 48 Ohio schools to receive the governor’s Thomas Edison Award in STEM Education, acknowledging their innovative science, technology, engineering and math curriculums. The schools were recognized by the Ohio Academy of Science with a perfect rating of 10 after demonstrating their commitment to STEM Education in an external review by state businesses, government agencies and universities. Of note at both schools is the opportunity for students to engage in hands-on science programs beyond the classroom.

Every morning during the school week five students from St. James of the Valley in Wyoming have been coming to Roger Bacon High School to “get a leg up” on math. They are learning a full year of high school algebra from math teacher Kyle Nobbe. Many elementary schools have an advanced math program, however, this class allows students to not only earn high school algebra, but also receive the high school credit for the course.

COURTESY PHOTO Roger Bacon math teacher Kyle Nobbe introduces students from St. James of the Valley to high school algebra.

 “This course gives students a strong algebra background and encourages them to enter a more accelerated program in their ninth and 10th grade years,” Nobbe said.

Even though these eighth graders are St. James students, they are also now considered Roger Bacon students. To affirm that fact, each student was given a Roger Bacon T-shirt on the morning of their first class.

Mount Notre Dame High School students, faculty, staff and members of the board of trustees recently took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the school’s $6.2 million construction and renovation project. The first phase of the project will align the school’s facilities with its 21st century, cutting-edge curriculum. The project includes a 15,000 square foot academic space addition, state-of-the-art science facilities, college counseling center, admissions center and a renovation of the school’s chapel. Construction is set to begin on the second phase next fall on the $2.1 million athletic complex that will give MND’s field hockey, soccer and lacrosse teams an even stronger home field advantage.

“After several years of planning and fundraising, our dream is finally becoming a reality. Upon the building’s completion next fall, MND will have enhanced the depth and quality of our academic offerings, particularly in the area of the sciences, as well as the functional aspects of the facilities,” said Sparkle Worley, the school’s executive director. “This project has always been driven by improved and enhanced outcomes for the young women who attend MND and the dedicated staff.  We are well on our way to achieving that goal.” 

All area women are invited to join Cheryl Sucher, president of McAuley High School, Oct. 20, in McAuley’s Performing Arts Center, for Women Who Inspire II, an evening of six women enthusiastically sharing their unique journeys. The topics include life in a religious order, career growth as a woman, health challenges, entrepreneurship, balancing life and more. The keynote speaker for the evening is Donna Drury, business/executive coach, consultant and entrepreneur, who will encourage all in attendance to seek out their own personal brilliance. Other panelists include Cincinnati Police Officer Princess Davis and Sister of Mercy Susan Frazer.

Registration for the event begins at 7 p.m., followed by the presentations and refreshments. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be secured online, by Oct. 15, at www.mcauley hs.net/inspire, or by sending checks made payable to McAuley High School to the attention of Brigitte Foley, 6000 Oakwood Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224.  Limited seating will be available at door, where tickets will be $25 for adults and $15 for students.