December 2020

December 5, 2020

The Nutcracker and Lessons and Carols: The Show Must Go On!

 

While 2020 has certainly presented its fair share of challenges, Austin Prep's most cherished holiday traditions will continue this year in a modified format. Preparations are underway for the following events:

Lessons and Carols, Friday, December 11 at 10:00 a.m.

The Nutcracker, Wednesday, December 16 at 1:30 p.m. 

 

Each event will be performance based only: students will perform but there will be no spectators in attendance. Both performances will be livestreamed for the entire community to watch the shows. Livestream information will be distributed to the community prior to the event.

Lessons and Carols and the Nutcracker are not only milestone events for those directly involved in the shows, but for the entire student community. We are grateful for all those who will help us make these events a reality, and hope you will join us for the shows.

---

 

Mass for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is next Tuesday 

 

Austin Prep will celebrate a special Mass from the Chapel of St. Augustine for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, December 8th. Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. and Fr. Jorge Reyes, Director of Mission and Inclusion will be the main celebrant with Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain serving as the co-celebrant. The mass will be livestreamed for the community, and the link to view the mass will be available on our website on Tuesday morning. We hope you will join us.

---

 

Seniors to Attend Massachusetts Conference for Women

 

On Thursday, December 10th, Kayla Russell '21 and Arya Gupta '21 will attend the 2020 Massachusetts Conference for Women.  The conference is being held virtually this year.

The mission of The Conferences for Women is to "promote, communicate and amplify the influence of women in the workplace and beyond. At our annual nonpartisan, nonprofit conferences, we bring together thousands of active professionals to connect, renew, and find inspiration in community.” Keynote speakers include presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin, and 15-time Grammy award-winning artist Alicia Keys.

 

Kayla, who serves as Senior Class President, and Arya,  who is the Senior Class Secretary, are looking forward to taking full advantage of this wonderful leadership development opportunity. Kayla and Arya will provide an update in a future Cougar Courier regarding their conference experience.

The opportunity was made possible thanks to Maureen McGinness P’20, who provided Austin Prep with two tickets to the event. Mrs. McGinness has attended this conference for several years through her employer, HealthcareSource, headquartered in Woburn, MA.

---

 

National Honor Society Conducts Card Drive for Seniors

 

Over the next few weeks, Austin Prep's chapter of the National Honor Society will be partnering with Element Care, a local nonprofit healthcare organization for senior residents in our surrounding communities, to conduct a Holiday Card Drive. Many seniors are unable to see their families in these current times, so our goal is to be able to brighten some days with homemade holiday cards. Here are some directions:

• Cards should be dropped off in the front office. There is a box wrapped in red snowflake paper where you can drop your cards.

• Please submit your cards no later than December 16th.

• Cards should be in envelopes. Envelopes should not be sealed or addressed.

• Stamps should be placed on the envelopes.

• Cards will be going out to people of many different backgrounds, so please keep card content as nonspecific as possible (ex: “Happy Holidays,” or “Season’s Greetings”).

• Cards in Spanish are helpful if possible.

• Please sign your cards and add an appropriate personal message such as: Hope you are doing well/staying safe; thinking of you; or warm wishes to you and your family.

Any questions should be directed to Mrs. Stephanie Choate, English Faculty and National Honor Society Moderator.

---

 

Health and Wellness Office to Host Important Workshops

 

The Health and Wellness Team is hosting two workshops in December and January to educate students and their families on the impact of disordered eating on teens. Megan McIntire, LCMHC, from The Renfrew Center in Boston will be hosting these workshops and we hope you can attend.

The COVID pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, especially for teens.  A common coping mechanism for stress can be food, exercise, and diet, which can, in turn lead to an increased risk for eating disorders.  This training is meant to provide awareness and education about the risks and prevention of eating disorders. Information on the workshops can be found below:

Session 1: Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention

Tuesday December 15th, 7:00 p.m. - Students and their families

The first session will give an overview of eating disorders, including warning signs, how to support a peer (or loved one) who is struggling, and when to seek help.   We will discuss factors that contribute to the development or worsening of an eating disorder, such as genetics and mood dysregulation, as well as interventions and treatment options.

Session 2: Diet Culture and Body Image

Tuesday January 5th, 7:00 p.m. - Students and their families

In the second session, we will be joined by a registered dietician, who will discuss diet culture facts and myths, answer questions about fad diets and eating disorders from a nutrition perspective.  We will discuss body image and contributing factors, such as social media, and focus on ways participants can create a body positive environment for themselves and their peers/loved ones.

Sessions are meant to be interactive and, in addition to providing information, will allow participants the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics of concern.

To pre-register for the December workshop, please click here. In advance of this meeting, please submit any questions you have for Ms. McIntire by clicking here.

If you have any questions regarding the training, please do not hesitate to reach out to Nick Reynolds, Upper School Counselor, or Ms. Jess Lenci, Middle School Counselor.

---

 

Flu Shots Required by December 31st

 

As a reminder, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts now requires the influenza vaccine for all students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. All students must receive the vaccine before December 31st, 2020. If a student is unable to receive the vaccine, there are medical and religious exemptions allowable in the state of Massachusetts. If your child falls into one of these categories, please contact the Health Office. Once your child obtains his or her vaccination, please forward the appropriate documentation to the Health Office. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, or need information about vaccine exemptions, please do not hesitate to contact the Health Office at (781) 944-4900, ext. 816 or 716.

---

 

Thanksgiving Baskets Initiative a Success

 

We are grateful for our students and families who helped create 25 Thanksgiving baskets, which were delivered to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Lawrence before the holiday. St. Mary of the Assumption was founded by the Augustinian Friars over 150 years ago, and the connections between that Parish and our school are roots that run deep to our founding in 1961. 

 

Thank you to our student government leaders, Coordinator of Students Activities Mr. Pat Costello, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, Mr. Jaycob Morales and Director of Inclusion and Mission, Fr. Jorge Reyes for coordinating this Thanksgiving initiative.  Students who delivered the baskets include: TJ Dysart '21, Marvin Twombley '21, Liam Prigmore '21,  Brianna Fountain '21, Ben Sperling '22, Kip Lebaron '21, Kate Beckel '23, Kat Millett '24, and Victoria Tenreiro '25.

---

 

Austin Prep Hosts First Responders for Pre-Thanksgiving Breakfast

 

The Thanksgiving holiday prompted us to give pause and think about the things we are truly thankful for. In this time of uncertainty, there are people in our communities who consistently rise to the challenges surrounding us, both large and small. Our first responders certainly fill that description.

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Austin Prep community hosted Reading first responders for a breakfast in the Dining Hall. We are grateful for all those who attended as we gave thanks to the first responders who have dedicated their careers to protect us.

---

 

Austin Prep Supports Chamber's Santa's Tour

 

Austin Prep served as the Signature Sponsor for the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce's Santa's Holiday Tour, which took place Sunday, November 29th. The tour, which followed a route through neighborhoods in Reading and North Reading, replaced the annual Christmas Tree lighting hosted by the Chamber. To see us in action, click here. Austin Prep is proud to continue to support our various community partners, including the Chamber of Commerce.

---

 

First Quarter Honor Roll Announced

The list of students who earned honors in the first quarter of Austin Prep's 2020-2021 academic year has been released. Congratulations to the students who earned this prestigious recognition in their pursuit of truth. #Veritas

---

 

Catholic Central League Fall All-Stars Announced

 

The fall athletic season at Austin Prep recently finished with a significant number of league accolades claimed by our student-athletes. Last week, the Catholic Central League (CCL) announced its all-star recipients, with a total of 29 Austin Prep student-athletes named as all-stars in their respective sports. Congratulations! The group is as follows: 

 

Boys Soccer

Sam Charchafian '22                 

Michael Kamelle '21               

Tristan Miller '23                       

Phillip Renzullo '23                   

 

Cross Country

Christopher Blake '22                

DJ Bresette '23                           

Trevor Coughlin '23                   

Molly Dugan '21                         

Steven Galatis '22                       

Marcel Joe '24                             

Michelle Laferriere '23              

Dominick McDonough '21       

Sydney Pilla '23                         

Madison Valade '25                   

 

Field Hockey

Patricia Bibeau '22                     

Isabel Hulse '22                          

 

Girls Soccer

Sydney DeRoche '24                  

Catherine Gallagher '22                        

Samantha MacCormack '22                 

Isabella Tenreiro '23                             

Gabrielle Vachon '21                             

 

Golf

Zachary Bova '25                                     

Christopher Gerety '22                          

Max Hampoian '23                                

 

Volleyball

Molly Ardito '21                                     

Kate Beckel '23                                       

Lindsey Cohen '21                                 

Amanda Patti '21                                    

Hayley Taber '21                                   

 

---

 

Austin Prep Presents Returns with Channel 7News Editor

 

The second edition of Austin Prep Presents aired Tuesday, November 24th with Joe Sciacca ’75, who is the Enterprise Editor, 7News WHDH TV, and former Editor in Chief at the Boston Herald. Joe's presentation focused on being a good news consumer, credibility of the media during a crisis, and how to work with the press no matter what company or institution you work for. It was valuable and relevant information for all our viewers.

Austin Prep Presents will return on December 22nd, when Alissa Galligani ’14, Podcast Producer at Syntax and Gianna Gravalese ’16 will join current Austin Prep students TJ Dysart '21 and Marvin Twombley '21 to share steps A to Z on how to create a dynamic and engaging podcast.

---

 

Academic Decathlon Team Performs Well at Round One Competition

Austin Prep's Academic Decathlon team recently finished fourth in the Small Schools Division at the Massachusetts Academic Decathlon Scrimmage, which took place November 21st in an online format. The team scored a total of 11,725.7 points and placed seventh overall in the state. The theme for this year's Academic Decathlon contest was The Cold War. Students took a series of seven tests covering topics such as Math (geometry and differential calculus), Science (astronomy and the space race), Art (modern art during the Cold War period), and Literature (Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle along with selected short stories, poems, and speeches). 

Eleven Austin Prep students participated from campus, with four additional students competing from their homes. Participating students were:

• Seniors Jennifer Britto and Eryn Trant
• Juniors John Caruso, Catherine Gallagher, Maria Hanna, Catherine Jalbert, and Nyree Kourkounian
• Sophomores Christian Alfieri, Valeria Centinaro, Caroline Kelly, Michelle Laferriere, Sofia Senn, Anjali Serrano, and Lily Seville
• Freshman Paula Reyes

In addition to the team's collective performance, Austin Prep students won the following individual awards and commendations:

• Jennifer Britto: Honorable Mention for Music and Literature
• John Caruso: Honorable Mention for Economics
• Catherine Gallagher: Bronze Medals for Music and Economics, Honorable Mention for Math and Science
• Catherine Jalbert: Silver Medal for Economics, Honorable Mention for Music and Literature
• Michelle Laferriere: Austin Prep Coach's Award for Highest Individual Score (2771.1 points)
• Sofia Senn: Honorable Mention for Art

The team will be in action again in the regional round of the Massachusetts Academic Decathlon, which will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2021. The regionals will be a true decathlon, as the seven objective tests will be joined by speech, interview, and essay competitions. The team hopes to qualify for the Massachusetts State Finals which are due to be held in early March.

---

 

Mr. Morales Serves as Guest Speaker in Sociology Class

 

Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion spoke to Ms. Nicole Piccini's Sociology class on Monday, November 23rd. The class is currently learning about the sociology of race and had been studying the issue of redlining. Mr. Morales helped students understand the connections of redlining to the larger socioeconomic issues that communities of color still face today. He was able to make these concepts real to students by making connections to local communities.

---

 

Cradles to Crayons Drive

In support of the Cradles to Crayons organization, there will be a collection of items in the main office through December 11th for new and gently-used coats and jackets, along with new masks. Sizes from newborn to adult medium are requested. Contact Olivia Ferri '23  for more information. Thank you to all our students doing good work in support of others this holiday season.

---

 

Austin Prep Faculty Join Mr. McLaughlin as MiddleWeb Reviewers

Head of Middle School, Mr. Michael McLaughlin, continued his book review efforts for MiddleWeb,  a website that provides resources for teachers, school leaders, parents and others interested in the success of young adolescents. His most recent review was of Rigor in the Remote Learning Classroom: Instructional Tips and Strategies, which can be read here.

Additionally, Mr. McLaughlin has introduced Mrs. Leeann Blais, Ms. Kristen Donnelly, Mrs. Nicole Putney P'26, and Mrs. Marla Pascucci-Byrne P'26 to the process of writing book reviews for MiddleWeb, and we can expect to see their reviews published over the course of the school year.

---

 

Support the Annual Fund this Holiday Season

The Austin Prep Annual Fund Appeal letter has recently hit our community's mailboxes and we are grateful for the strong showing of support we have received so far.

As we advance into the holiday season, we continue to ask all those in our school community to remember Austin Prep in your year-end-giving plans. Annual Fund contributions enrich the quality of life for our students and their teachers, and enhances all student life including the arts and athletics, technology, teacher professional development, and family financial assistance. Such contributions maintain unique and distinctive learning opportunities for today's students and continue to support the health and safety needs of our community during these challenging times.

You can click here now to make a donation. Thank you in advance for your continued support of Austin Prep through the Annual Fund during the holiday season and beyond!

December 12, 2020

Lessons and Carols Brings Holiday Spirit to Austin Prep

 

Holiday traditions continued at Austin Prep this week with a special edition of Lessons and Carols, which was livestreamed from the Chapel of St. Augustine on Friday, December 11th. Determined not to let our current challenges interrupt our most cherished annual events, and working within social distancing rules, students, faculty, and staff forged forward with the commitment that “the show must go on.” To learn more about this process,  read the inaugural edition of Austin Prep: Journey of the Heart, which will be released monthly, detailing the ways that, even in a public health crises, our community remains steadfast and vibrant in pursuit of our mission. Photos from Lessons and Carols can be viewed here, and you can watch the show below: 

We turn our attention to next Wednesday, December 16th, when our students perform a modified version of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. We will once again livestream the show, and information will be sent to the community before the event next week. 

---

 

St. Augustine Lumen Award Recipients Named

 

Ms. Marla Pascucci-Byrne P’26 and Ms. Celia Barletta were named this year’s recipients of Austin Prep’s St. Augustine Lumen Award. The Lumen Award was established by the Austin Prep Board of Trustees to recognize outstanding teachers.

 

Trustee Joey Carregal ’05 introduced and announced both winners and added unique perspective as a former student celebrating his former teachers. Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D. and Board of Trustees Chair Dan Bouchard P’10, ’14, ’15 presented Ms. Pascucci-Byrne and Ms. Barletta with a certificate and stipend to fund future professional development opportunities.

The award was presented Tuesday, December 8th at a faculty meeting, which was attended by faculty, staff, and members of the Austin Prep Board of Trustees.

---

 

Now is the Time to Support the Annual Fund!

 

"The biggest reason I support the annual fund is because I see Austin Prep as a big, extended family. The kids, the parents, the administration, faculty, and staff all come together to make something really special, so when people ask me why I support the annual fund I tell them that I see it as just a way to give back to a place and a group of people that I truly love."

~ Mrs. Leeann Blais, English Faculty 

 

There is no doubt that we are concluding a year that has presented all of us with unprecedented challenges. While we have been forced to reimagine and reinvent the way we go about our daily lives, one thing has remained constant: Our Austin Prep community. We are grateful for the students, families, faculty, staff and friends who have come together to ensure that the Austin Prep experience continues to shine.

As we advance into the holiday season, we continue to ask all those in our school community to work together in keeping Austin Prep on a path of excellence, and to remember Austin Prep in your year-end-giving plans. Annual Fund contributions enrich the quality of life for our students and their teachers, and enhances all student life including the arts and athletics, technology, teacher professional development, and family financial assistance. Such contributions maintain unique and distinctive learning opportunities for today's students and continue to support the health and safety needs of our community during these challenging times.

You can click here now to make a donation. Thank you in advance for your continued support of Austin Prep through the Annual Fund during the holiday season and beyond!

---

 

Christmas Giving Initiative

 

As an Augustinian community of faith, we continue our connection with local families during this current holiday season. In the spirit of our mission, we want to live our values of veritas, unitas, and caritas, by embracing others and sharing our blessings. For Christmas, and coordinated through each student’s advisory, we are launching another important initiative and asking each student to purchase a small gift that will be specific to a local family. Our goal is to support 50 local families. This past week, advisory groups were assigned a local family and were given a list of suggested gift items to ensure all have a Merry Christmas. Wrapped gifts or gifts in seasonal gift bags should be brought to school on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday of next week. Gifts will be distributed on Friday, December 18th. Any questions on this important initiative should be directed to each student's advisor.

We look forward to Austin Prep looking like Santa's Workshop next week!

---

 

Door Decorating Contest Includes Remote Opportunity

 

In addition to the traditional on campus door decorating contest, all students, faculty and staff are invited to decorate any door at their house and submit a picture by Wednesday, December 16th. Prizes will be distributed for best Middle School, Upper School, and Faculty/Staff door entry. Photos of decorated doors should be sent to Mr. Patrick Costello, Coordinator of Student Activities. Have fun!

---

 

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass Livestreamed 

 

Austin Prep celebrated a special Mass from the Chapel of St. Augustine for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Tuesday, December 8th.  Fr. Jorge Reyes, Director of Mission and Inclusion was the main celebrant with Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain serving as the co-celebrant, and the mass was livestreamed for the community.

Our next virtual Mass will take place on Christmas Day. Information on how to view the Mass will be sent to the community in advance of Christmas.

---

 

8th Graders Experience Upper School

 

On Wednesday, December 9th, the entire 8th grade class was invited to be on campus together for our annual Upper School Experience event. The purpose of this event is to engage all of our eighth grade students so that they are provided with an opportunity to experience Upper School academic classes taught in mini-lesson format by Upper School teachers. The Office of Admissions also hosted a scavenger hunt, a student panel, various games in Meelia Hall, and a special desert during lunchtime so that eighth graders could bond and talk about the advantages of continuing their Austin Prep education in the Upper School. We hope the 8th grade class enjoyed their glimpse into life as an Upper School student!

---

 

Zizza '26 (and Noodle) Win World Championship

 

Angelica Zizza '26 continued her success in riding and showing horses at the The Pinto World Championship Show which was recently held in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Angelica rode her four year old horse, Noodle, to a World Championship performance in the western pleasure category. She then showed her 19 year old horse, Gus, in a variety of patterns, earning multiple Top 5 and Top 10 placings. Congratulations, Angelica!

---

 

Austin Prep Remotely Welcomes Unique Guest Speakers

 

Austin Prep students were fortunate to experience unique learning opportunities this past Wednesday, December 9th. As a part of Upper School Experience Day, Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj displayed for 8th grade students what her Marine Science class would look like by remotely hosting Ms. Maria Watson from Sea Turtle, Inc. The mission of Sea Turtle, Inc. is to educate the public, rehabilitate injured turtles, and lead with conservation efforts. Ms. Watson spoke about the organization's recovery efforts.

 

Additionally, the sophomore class was joined remotely by Mr. Skip Finley.  With a long career in communications and broadcasting, Mr. Finley recently authored a book on the success of 19th Century whaling captains, many of whom were people of color.  The book, Whaling Captains of Color: America's First Meritocracy, was the focus of Mr. Finley's discussion with students.  He shared his research with students explaining the history of whaling as a profession, the dangers and appeal of the profession, and the reasons it offered a path of success for people of color during a time when many other avenues were closed.  Mr. Finley's style and sense of humor provided students with an insight into a little known corner of America's History.  Mr. Finley's visit was facilitated by Dr. Crystal Kuykendall. We are grateful for all our community guests who add new perspective to our classrooms. 

---

 

Community Spotlight: Mr. Colin Kiley

 

Note: Our vibrant campus comes to life as a result of the talented students and faculty who make up the Austin Prep community. We look forward to periodically highlighting those individuals here in the Cougar Courier.

Hometown: Westwood, MA

Education/Degrees: Saint Anselm College, B.A. in Sociology, Endicott College, M.S. in Sport Leadership

Years at Austin Prep: This is my second year at Austin Prep, first as part of the faculty. During the 2019-20 school year, I was an intern  in the Athletics Department.

Years working in Education: 4

Department/Area of Subject: Middle School Science/Health and Wellness Instructor

Describe a teacher who inspired you growing up: My high school teacher and Campus Minister, Dr. Puclowski. He did an excellent job of emphasizing learning for the sake of learning, instead of memorizing. In addition, he kept his core values in class while making the necessary adjustments to ensure all his students would understand concepts. He has been a mentor for me and we continue to talk to this day.

Do you have a motto you teach by? Or an expression you try to instill in your classroom? Servant Leadership. It continues to guide my teaching style by working together and utilizing our talents.

What’s the most insightful thing a student has ever said to you? “I am not going to remember the topics from this year, but I will remember the people I’ve met.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have? A career in Athletic Administration or Community Relations.

Accolades: Saint Anselm College Paul S. Coleman Senior Service Award for Outstanding Service Leadership, Saint Anselm College Meelia Center Senior Service Award

Favorite Quote: “ Every battle is won before it is fought.” - Sun Tzu, Art of War

Fun fact (about you or your past; something colleagues & students might not ordinarily know):

1.)    I interned with the Boston Celtics in their Community Engagement Department.

2.)    I participated in Nomar Garciaparra’s Bowling Event as a kid. My brother and I were teammates with Trot Nixon (former Red Sox Outfielder).

December 19, 2020

The Nutcracker Tradition at Austin Prep Continues

 

Holiday traditions continued at Austin Prep this week with a special performance of The Nutcracker, which was livestreamed from the Richard J. Meelia Hall on Wednesday, December 16th. It was the 23rd year The Nutcracker was performed at Austin Prep. Determined not to let our current challenges interrupt our most cherished annual events, and working within social distancing rules, students, faculty, and staff forged forward with the commitment that “the show must go on.” To learn more about this process,  read the inaugural edition of Austin Prep: Journey of the Heart, which will be released monthly, detailing the ways that, even in a public health crises, our community remains steadfast and vibrant in pursuit of our mission. Check out our Twitter feed for live tweets from the show, and you can watch the show below: 

 

 

 

---

 

APS Media and Tech Team Take Productions to the Next Level

 

Over the past two weeks, Austin Prep has live streamed Masses, Lessons and Carols and The Nutcracker, all of which have helped continue Austin Prep traditions and connect the community when circumstances prevent us from being together in person. We are grateful for the technical support from Mr. Brad Harkins, Mrs. Marissa McLaughlin, and Mr. Nick Quinn, and in particular, APS Media students Alyssa Cross '21, Ashley Murdock '21, Maddie Botti '21, Fiona Cullen '23, and Nico Fanuele '22, who under the direction of Ms. Jamie Schefen, ran the entire live program for The Nutcracker.

---

 

Santa Amazed by Snow Day as Search of Campus Continues

Over the past week, Santa Claus has been on a mission:  finding the ONE member of the Austin Prep community landing on his naughty list. Who could it be?

Santa has appeared in The Nutcracker, the library, the Chapel of St. Augustine, and other spaces on campus looking for that one person. He even made it to Dr. Hickey's office, and was amazed that students and staff were granted an old fashioned snow day on Thursday. That decision definitely confirms Dr. Hickey's place on the nice list. To watch that meeting, click here.

If you have thoughts on who the naughty person might be, chime in on any of the videos posted on our various social media accounts. 

---

 

Lessons and Carols, Continued...

 

Seniors Mary Hueston '21 and Gaby Pearson '21 created their own virtual concert after Lessons and Carols. Check out their wonderful performance, here.

---

 

Austin Prep Presents Returns December 22nd

 

Austin Prep Presents continues on Tuesday, December 22nd at 7:00 p.m. with Alissa Galligani ’14, Podcast Producer at Syntax and Broadcaster Gianna Gravalese ’16 who will join current Austin Prep students TJ Dysart '21 and Marvin Twombley '21 to share steps A to Z on how to create a dynamic and engaging podcast. The webinar will be available on the Austin Prep YouTube Channel on Tuesday evening. We look forward to you joining us.

---

 

Virtual Christmas Day Mass

 

We invite all members of the Austin Prep community to join Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, on Christmas morning for Mass. The Mass will be celebrated virtually from the Chapel of Saint Augustine on the Austin Prep campus. The Mass can be viewed on the Austin Prep YouTube channel, and the link will be distributed on Christmas morning. These unusual times have provided opportunities we may have not previously considered. The Christmas Day mass will allow us to gather as a community as we celebrate the birth of the Savior.

---

 

Christmas Giving Initiative

 

Thank you to all those in our community who contributed a gift to our Christmas giving initiative. The project, coordinated through each student’s advisory, allowed us to continue our connection with local families during the holiday season, and to live our values of veritas, unitas, and caritas, by embracing others and sharing our blessings. Gifts were organized in the dining hall on Friday and loaded on Austin Prep buses for distribution.  Click here to view photos from the day.

---

 

Support the Annual Fund as Year Comes to a Close

 

As we advance into the Christmas Season and a New Year, we continue to ask all those in the Austin Prep community to remember Austin Prep in your year-end-giving plans. For year-end tax purposes, all checks dated in the month of December 2020 must be received at Austin Prep by January 5, 2021.  We will process December checks through January 7, 2021 and issue tax receipts accordingly.  Credit Card payments must be dated in the month of December 2020.

Click Here to Make a Gift to the Annual Fund

The Annual Fund ensures excellence! From every aspect of a student’s experience, the Annual Fund bridges aspiration and possibility, making innovative learning available throughout the year. The investment we make in our students remains our most important priority. 

From academics to the arts to athletics to a myriad of extra-curricular experiences, the Annual Fund is the gateway and the platform to a highly inspired education. An Austin Prep education is a foundation for a lifetime, an invaluable investment. 

In this particular year, our financial requirements have increased substantially due to the challenges and interruptions imposed by COVID. Annual Fund gifts continue to provide the financial resources to invest in remote instructional formats, and all of the associated software, hardware and technological resources these online experiences require.

Additionally, the Annual Fund provides teachers with the necessary professional development and training to ensure they have all the educational tools to generate high level, uninterrupted learning experiences. Moreover, Annual Fund donations help us invest in and commit to diversity and social justice programs and lectures. 

In this unique year, we have accomplished a great deal, largely due to Annual Fund support. We are more resilient than ever and we are forever grateful! Austin Prep is the anchor of stability in students’ lives. In this time of complexity and uncertainty, our students enjoy an experience upon which they can rely with faith and confidence. This is an experience we are committed to sustain—and invest in together. 

Please join us this year with a gift to the Annual Fund. Let’s continue to make this challenging year also a year our students enjoy steady, everlasting success.    

---

 

Austin Prep Conducts Safety Drill Remotely

 

As part of Austin Prep’s commitment to ongoing school safety, a routine safety drill was conducted on Tuesday morning. The drill involved Dean of Students Mr. Jay Tebbens providing instructions through Zoom to Cohort A students in their classroom and Cohort B and remote learners at home. Reading Police CSO officers provided on campus support.

The health, welfare and safety of Austin Prep students is our primary responsibility and we take this responsibility very seriously. Working closely with law enforcement and other emergency management personnel enables us to align safety at Austin Prep with the best practices currently in use. We are thankful for the partnership that Austin Prep has with the Reading Police Department and their strong commitment to our community’s safety.

With Thursday's snow day, an emergency drill with Cohort B students on campus will be rescheduled for after the holiday break.

---

 

Fall Sports Accolades Continue

Two Fall sport student-athletes recently earned recognition from the Boston Globe. Kate Beckel '23 and Amanda Patti '21, both members of the volleyball team, were named Boston Globe All-Star and Boston Globe All-Scholastic, respectively.

Additionally, the Eastern Massachusetts Girl's Soccer Coaches Association (EMGSCA) recognized Isabella Tenreiro '23 as First Team EMGSCA, and Catherine Gallagher '22 as Second Team EMGSCA .

Congratulations to all!

 

---

 

 

We hope that all members of the Austin Prep community have a restful and relaxing Christmas Holiday Break. Campus will be closed December 24th and 25th, and January 1st. The Cougar Courier will return on Saturday, January 9th.