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Dear Colleagues in Ursuline Education,
My first five months as Director of Ursuline Educational Services have been exciting, rewarding and inspiring; exciting because of the opportunities and challenges I’ve experienced; rewarding because I witnessed personally the gift that Ursuline education is to so many students across the United States; inspiring because of the strong commitment and dedication demonstrated in the Ursuline schools I’ve had the privilege to visit.
What are the challenges and opportunities that stand out? Well, one challenge has been learning to operate without on-site tech help at the UES office. Fortunately there is a program called One-to-One which I have taken full advantage of to improve my computer skills.
I am very grateful to Pat Meisner, OSU who has worked with me during the past five months, sharing her knowledge of the workings of UES so that I can more easily build on the achievements and contributions on my predecessors. Pat has made the transition to UES very enjoyable. Although it was difficult to see her leave the UES office, I wish her well in the Healing Touch ministry.
Because of the strong foundation laid by the directors and board members over the past 24 years, UES is poised for future growth. There are two new exciting opportunities that will come to fruition in the near future: the triennial Ursuline Convocation in summer 2013 and the Global Education Conference in 2014. More infor-mation will be coming your way about these two events as details are planned.
In an effort to strengthen ties among Ursuline schools, UES, with the leadership of Cathie Field Lloyd, President of Ursuline Academy in Wilmington DE and chair of the Mission Effectiveness/Networking Committee of the UES Board, will be estab-lishing Wiki conversations among various groups in our schools. When this opportunity is presented to you, I hope that you will respond affirmatively. The presidents have already received an invitation to join their wiki group.
My visits to Ursuline schools have been rewarding and inspiring. I wish that all of you who are reading this letter could have the same opportunity. At this writing I have visited Ursuline schools and colleges in Louisville and Owensboro, Ken-tucky; St. Louis, Missouri; Dedham, Massachusetts; the Bronx and New Rochelle, New York; Wilmington, Delaware; Dal-las, Texas; Toledo, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Youngstown, and St. Martin, Ohio. Each institution has its own unique character, but they all share a commitment to their Ursuline heritage and charism.
In visiting the schools, I have met administrators who are passionate about serving the students entrusted to them. Each one is not content with the present but is making plans for an even more dynamic future. I have witnessed teachers energetically interacting with their students in the pursuit of learning. I have met students who unequivocally love their school and feel challenged and loved by their teachers and administrators. Whether the students are age three or fifteen, they are growing and maturing in nurturing atmospheres.
In this and future issues of Laurel Links we will be featuring some of the notable programs that exist in Ursuline schools and colleges. This issue features just a few of the ways Ursuline schools are following the counsel of St. Angela: Build com-munity wherever you go. If you want more information about any of them, please feel free to contact the school directly. If you have a program that you would like to share with your colleagues in Ursuline education beyond your own institution, we welcome articles for future issues of Laurel Links. Encouraging this sharing fulfills one of the purposes of UES.
It is a privilege for me to work with all of you to promote Ursuline education. How blessed we are to be engaged in such a ministry. The words of St. Angela are as encouraging for us today as they were for her initial followers when this charismatic woman first established her company: May the strength and true consolation of the Holy Spirit be in you all, so that you can sustain and carry out vigorously and faithfully the charge laid upon you.
Sincerely,
Judith A. WimbergDirector, Ursuline Educational Services
The Angela Retreat at Ursuline Academy of Dallas
What is the Angela Retreat experience at Ursuline in Dallas?
• Two days set apart for faculty and staff mem-bers to “go away” and rest awhile.
• Two days to learn more about An-gela Merici, Foundress of the Ursulines.
• Two days to enjoy each other, have some quiet time for re-flection, share together in creating delicious meals, and let laughter ring out from sharing stories and dreams.
There are around seven to ten participants each time, plus a facilitator/presenter, a coordinator (usually the Director of Mission and Heritage), and a member of the Mission and Heritage Committee to assist the coordinator. For the last five years Sister Diane Fulgenzi, OSU, had graced us with her expertise in the life and spirituality, and her gift of presence, as our Facilitator and Presenter.
Potential participants are invited to attend; usually these are new or nearly new teachers and staff members, a mixture from different departments at the school. The school arranges for subs for them, sometimes asking other members of their department to help out. Ursu-line in Dallas offers one Angela Retreat in the fall and one in the springtime. We now have over 75 members of our Ursuline faculty and staff who have made an
Angela Retreat.
Participants love the ex-perience! Here are a few of their comments: “My experience on the Angela Retreat was very delightful. Learn-ing more about Angela makes me realize that we teachers live the spirit of serviam as we guide the girls on their path towards success.” (Christine Giraud)
“The Angela Retreat was a truly rejuvenat-ing experience for me.
I appreciated the time that was taken to get to know each other, to learn more about St. Angela, and also,
to remember how blessed we are to be teaching amaz-ing girls and hopefully making a small impact on their lives.” (Kayla Fakier)
“Thank you for a lovely, relaxing, and spiritual Angela Retreat. It was truly a calming experience and a great opportunity to get to reflect and grow with members of the Ursuline staff I might not necessarily have the chance to otherwise.” (Julia Frasco)
Submitted by Lois Castillon, OSU Director of Mission and Heritage, Ursuline Dallas
Email: [email protected]
St. Angela’s Vision commissioned and gifted to Ursuline Academy of Dallas by the class of 2010.Artist: Linda McCall
Villa Angela - St. Joseph and Beaumont Come Together for Retreat Day
Angela in the Twenty-First Century, a day of retreat for the faculties and staffs of Cleveland high schools Villa Angela - St. Joseph and Beaumont, highlighted the opening of the 2011-2012 school year. Joan Peters-en, OSU, Director of Mission Integration for the Cleveland Ursulines, and her planning team representing both sponsored schools, prepared a vibrant and engaging program that included prayer, fellowship, collaboration, learning and reflection on how St. Angela continues to be a source of knowledge and inspiration in modern times.
Keynote presenter Diana Stano, OSU, President of Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio, spoke on the topic of “Ursuline Education as Transformation: The Spirituality of St. Angela”. Participants appreciated Sister Diana’s inspiring and practical ideas for incorporating the Counsels of Angela and core values of the educational institutions into the culture and life of each school.
Exploring Common Ground was the focus of the
next part of the day. DVD presentations featuring VASJ and Beaumont were presented, followed by small group sharing. Next, breakout sessions were as follows: Who was Angela: Linking Renaissance Italy to Cleveland, Ohio, presented by Mary Ellen Brinovec, OSU; Angela and Creation: Social Con-sciousness presented by Anne Marie Dieterich, OSU and Diane Therese Pinchot, OSU; Angela in the Classroom presented by teachers Beverly Moore (VASJ) and John Michael Lanaga (Beaumont).
Following lunch and repeated breakout sessions, participants in the retreat day enjoyed four Free Space activities, then came together for a closing prayer service. All present had an opportunity to reflect and respond to this special day of learning and sharing by recording individual goals to bring the charism of Angela Merici more alive at Villa Angela - St. Joseph and Beaumont during the 2011-2012 school year.
Contributor: Joan Petersen, Director of Mission Integration, Ursulines of Cleveland
Joan Petersen, OSU and Principals Mary Whelan (Beaumont School) and David Csank (VASJ)participate in the faculty and staff prayer service during their joint retreat day.
Marie of the Incarnation Retreat
On Friday, October 28th the faculty and staff at The Ursuline School in New Rochelle devoted the morning to “Beyond our Borders”… coming together as a faith based educational community…to lever-age their collective heritage…and build toward a shared future. It was a privilege for them to have Kelly Spoerl, an alumna, speak about Mere Marie de l’Incarnation. The morning was interspersed with prayer, input, reflection, and sharing.
Dr. Spoerl has focused her extensive original scholarship on the ear-ly Church, in particular the role of women. Her lecture topics range from the Trinitarian controversies of the 4th century to “Women in Catholic Tradition” to “Beethoven and Romanticism”. She deliv-ered a stirring public lecture in 2009 on Marie de l’Incarnation, an Ursuline nun who set up the first Catholic school and first convent in North America.
The story of Marie as the first woman religious to set foot in North America is a stirring one. In 1639, she voyaged from France to establish the first convent and school in Quebec. A cloistered Ursuline nun, Marie exemplified courage, perseverance and strategic compromise to achieve the goals to which she was called. Her legacy of premier education for girls continues to this day. Marie was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1980.
Faculty and staff enjoyed Dr. Spoerl’s presentation and were fascinated by the account of the life of Mere Marie. It was a blessing, many observed, to be together with colleagues for a day of prayer and reflection and to have the opportunity to learn about the larger Ursuline world. Prior to the retreat day, Campus Minister Pat Schifini OSU had asked Ursuline schools around the country to join with The Ursuline School in prayer for the success of the day. The Ursuline School faculty enjoyed the greetings sent to them from their colleagues in other Ursuline schools in the United States and beyond.
Contributor: Pat Schifini OSUCampus Minister, The Ursuline School, New Rochelle
Feast of St. Angela on Friday, January 27, 2012
“Understand this, I am now more alive than when I was on this earth; I see more clearly and hold more dear the good which I see you constantly doing. And now even more than before, I want, and am able to help you and do good for you in all sorts of ways. “ — Angela Merici.
As we celebrate the feast of St. Angela on Friday, Janu-ary 27, let us be united in heart and spirit, rededicating ourselves to living the ideals espoused by St. Angela. We can rely on her help “in all sorts of ways.”
St. Ursula Academy, Toledo
Ursuline Academy, St. Louis
Mark Your Calendars
Upcoming UES Sponsored Conferences
What: Student Leadership Conference
When: June 23-25 (arrival on June 22 and depart June 26)
Where: Hosted by Ursuline Academy, Ded-ham, MA
For whom: 4 student leaders and a faculty moderator from each school
What: Educators’ Conference
When: October 21-23 (Arrival October 21 and depart late afternoon on October 23)
Where: Hosted by Sacred Heart Schools, Louisville, KY
For whom: Elementary, High School and College Teachers of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, Department Heads, Academic Supervisors, Principals, Deans,
And if you like to plan ahead:
What: Ursuline Convocation
When: July 4-7, 2013
Where: Cincinnati, OH
For whom: The Ursulines of the United States are extending an invitation to Ursu-line schools, their faculties, staffs, gradu-ates, students to join them at their triennial conference
Advancement Professionals Meet at Administrators’ Dialogue
Advancement officers from Ursuline sponsored schools gathered at Ursuline Academy in Dedham, MA for two days in October to connect with each other and engage with inspiring, yet practical speakers. The keynote address was given by Geri Denterlein (alumna of St. Ursula Academy, Cincinnati) who spoke from her experience as a marketing professional, a volunteer leader with the National Red Cross and an Ursuline educated woman.
Advancement professionals from our Ursuline schools shared expertise on all facets of an advancement program, including managing social networking, annual fund, alumnae relations, engaging our students, and major gifts solicitations. Madonna O’Hara, OSU, from the Central Province of the Roman Union and UES Board member, addressed the topic: “Collaborators in Mission”, urging participants to see their work in advancement as critical to a mission-driven school.
Panels of graduates of Ursuline schools offered their perspectives on how schools can best inspire and en-gage their alumnae.
Sr. Bridget Haase, OSU, from the Eastern province of the Roman Union, concluded the conference with her presentation, “Generous Faith”. Her stories and wisdom were an inspiration to all. Ursuline Academy of Dedham presented each participant with Sr. Bridget’s book of the same title.
The conference received high marks from attendees who were inspired with new ideas to take back to their respective schools. They also enjoyed social interaction on the Boston Harbor Cruise and the dinner that followed. The weather in Boston was spectacular, adding to the gracious hospitality offered by UA, Dedham.
Special thanks to Rosann Whiting, President of Ursuline in Dedham and her assistant Sharon Tolland who managed the myriad of details that are part of hosting such a successful conference.
Community Building at St. Ursula Villa
The Ursuline characteristic, “a strong family spirit” has long been a focus at St. Ursula Villa. It is attested to by, among other things, a high percentage of parent volunteerism in the school; by regular opportunities for all-school and grade level liturgies and prayer services to which parents are invited; and by the
staff’s sharing of ideas, resources and materials. This is the Villa’s third year of implementing Professional Learning Communities, emphasizing even more, collaboration among teachers for improved and focused learning by the students.
Anticipating a turnover in administration this school year, the Ursuline Identity Committee chose for the annual Ursuline theme, “Build community wherever you go!” A beginning-of-the-school-year breakfast hosted by the Board of Trustees for staff and administration launched the year’s theme, highlighting the objective to increase mutual understanding between the staff and the Board. In September, following the counselor’s invitation to all K-8 students new to the school to have lunch with her, these new students, and new staff members as well, were introduced to the whole school community by way of a bulletin board display featuring each one’s photo and a self introductory piece. During the month of November, families were invited to contribute to another bulletin board display by submitting a list or visual of things for which their family is grateful. The response to this was overwhelming, both in number and in sincerity. It was an opportunity for Villa community members to share from the heart.
The season of Advent brings annual traditions of Secret Santa among staff members and prayer buddies between staff members and student to student as well. Throughout the year, students are invited to enter prayer intentions in a classroom prayer journal. These intentions are lifted up by a small but mighty group of parents and staff members who meet for Morning Prayer on Thursdays. These adult “prayer warriors” are always moved by the innocence and sincerity of the intentions offered by the children!
Later this year, the school will begin to implement a Service Learning Program, which will involve each grade level in a service activity or project that will help students discover needs of people outside their school and family settings. It is hoped that this focus on service will foster lifelong connections between students, the broader community and the world outside the classroom. Of course, play is also a great community builder. And so everyone always looks forward to the annual faculty-student kickball game in September and other such events during the year. And, oh yes! There’s always the annual staff Christmas party! The opportunities to build community are endless, and the Villa is always happy to seize them!
Submitted by Margie Elkeman OSUGuidance Counselor, St. Ursula Villa, Cincinnati
Music by Villa students enriched the All Saints Day liturgy.
Student-Led Community Building
At Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Delaware, our theme for this school year is Inspired Change. Specifi-cally in our Lower School, which accommodates chil-dren through sixth grade, our inspired change is to focus on community. In addition to devoting time each day for all home-rooms to have a Morning Meeting, we have also added a Community Pe-riod. Once every seven days, we gather together to celebrate our Ursuline Community. Some of our Commu-nity Periods are devoted to spending time as an entire Lower School, from three year olds through sixth graders. During these gatherings, we have shared in prayer services for a 9/11 Remembrance, Thanksgiving, and Advent. The Lower School has also come together to kick-off a Read-a-thon, participate in a pep rally, and to share a bit about the service projects and academics that are taking place in each classroom.
Other times, our Commu-nity Periods are focused on meeting with buddy classes. Each younger grade (Pre-K through 2nd grade) is paired with an older grade (3rd through 6th grade) for the entire school year. During our Buddy Class Community Periods, the students have had the opportunity to share in service projects, learn-ing experiences, and to just have fun together. One service project that the buddy classes worked on this year involved making paper flowers and Halloween cards for local nursing home residents. Another buddy class project was to gather and discuss Thanksgiving. The children worked together with their buddies to make pictures or lists to represent people and items that
they were thankful to have in their lives. These pictures were displayed at our Thanksgiving Prayer Service. The buddies also enjoyed making pinwheels together
and then placing them in the ground outside to celebrate Pinwheels for Peace.
Our final type of Com-munity Period is a grade level gathering, where all of the students in a particular grade can come together. These meetings include a chance to have a whole grade Morning Meeting, plan a service project, meet with the guidance counselor for a
group lesson, or work on a grade level cheer for a pep rally.
Because our Community Periods are very much stu-dent-led, our children have had a great opportunity to
build their confidence, public speaking skills, and social skills. The students, not the teach-ers, are the ones who are reading the prayers at prayer services, shar-ing information about what is going on in their classrooms, and interact-ing with their older or younger buddies. This year, we have imple-mented a Leadership Binder in order to keep
track of which students have had an opportunity to participate in leading the school through song, prayer, reading, or sharing with the group. It has been a great tool in helping us to include as many students as possible in leadership roles throughout our Community Periods.
Submitted by Lisa Chow Clody Principal, Lower School Ursuline Academy, Wilmington
“Front Porch Time” Builds Stronger Bonds Among Students and Staff
Do you remember summer evenings playing hide and seek in your yard while your parents sat on the front porch watching you and talking to their neighbors? This experience helped to create bonds of friendship and connectedness among neighbors.
In his book, Eight Habits of the Heart for Educators: Building Strong School Communities Through Time-less Values, Clifton Taulbert reflects on the effect “front porch time” had on society: people took time to talk, meet neighbors, encourage one another, and build relationships. The author’s experi-ence growing up on the Mississippi delta where “front porch time” was a significant part of the day led to his identification of what he calls “habits of the heart”: a nurturing attitude, responsibility, dependability, friend-ship, brotherhood, high expectations, courage and hope.
Using the eight habits, Taulbee has written a book about how to create a strong school community in a purposeful way by building relationships among students and staff. Led by its principal, Dr. Mary Beth Bowling, the faculty and staff of Sacred Heart Model School read Taulbee’s book in the summer of 2010 and started the 2010-11 school year with a retreat around
its theme. The staff, Mary Beth reports, did a myriad of activities such as defining an ideal school community and determined what was necessary from each stake-holder to build the community they wanted. Taulbee’s suggestion of creating “front porch time” took hold at SHMS. Teachers planned activities for the “front porch time” that allowed students the opportunity to really connect in new and different ways. The “eight habits”
were used as monthly themes. Bowling used some of the teachers’ creative ideas for faculty meetings.
During the first year, the students met in class groups. In this current school year, SHMS has expanded the “front porch time” and cre-ated “families” among the student body. Each “family” consists of two members from each grade level. Activities are planned for them to get to know each better and build com-munity across grade levels. So far, after four meetings on the “front porch” Mary Beth is seeing students mak-
ing connections across grade levels that would never have occurred without this initiative. “We are creating a stronger bond among our students and staff,” Mary Beth observes.
Contributor: Dr. Mary Beth Bowling Principal, Sacred Heart Model School on the Ursuline Campus, Louisville, KY.
Urban Community School Develops Conflict Resolution Skills through Mediation
How do we teach elementary students to seek solutions to problems in ways that foster clear communication, respect, leadership, partnership and innovation? At Urban Community School, an inner city school sponsored by the Cleveland Ursulines, students and faculty have been addressing this challenge for more than twenty years through a mediation program first introduced by the Diocese of Cleveland and initially supported with dedication and enthusiasm by Noel Marra, OSU.
Mary Kay Conkey, OSU, has worked with students and staff at Urban Community in recent years to ensure the continuing development and implementation of a problem resolution approach that helps students to become peacemakers at school, home and in the community beyond their campus.
Fifth and sixth grade students participate in a two-day training program to become peer mediators. In 2011, twenty students received this training, and there are forty-two peer mediators currently at work in grades five through eight.
Sister Mary Kay reports that all types of problems are addressed through the six-step mediation process. Dur-ing the introduction phase, after the form requesting mediation has been submitted, ground rules are articulated, the role of participants is clarified, and the expectation of confidentiality is addressed. Next, students meet with their mediator to tell their stories directly to the mediator. Respectful conversation between those involved in the conflict may follow. Then, the mediator facilitates a brainstorming session of possible solutions that address those needs expressed by participants. The solution, which may be re-visited later, is included in a contract signed by students and mediator. Later, a formal thank-you is extended to students from their mediator.
As of mid-December of the current school year, thirty-five mediations have been completed by Sister Mary Kay and the team of peer mediators.
Contributor: Mary Kay Conkey, OSUCounselor, Urban Community School, Cleveland
UES Student Service Awards
Certificates for the students were mailed to the schools and colleges in early January. A booklet with full descriptions of each student’s service will be sent electronically to the schools and colleges by mid-February.
