May 2020
5.2.2020
May 2nd, 2020
Senior Art and Design Showcase - Delivered Straight to Your Living Room
Please join us Sunday, May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. for our Senior Showcase of Art & Design students. This is an opportunity for Senior musicians, vocalists, and dancers to perform and display their talents for the Austin Prep community. You can enjoy the performance by clicking here for the webinar.
Virtual Sunday Mass
The Chapel of St. Augustine
Please join Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, as he delivers mass remotely from the Chapel of St. Augustine on Sunday, May 3rd at 10:00 a.m. Feel free to share this link with your family and friends if they are looking for an opportunity to attend mass as well.
We will connect for mass in the same manner that we did for the previous services. We have the capacity to host 1,000 people, so we are hopeful that many members of our community have the opportunity to attend remotely. Worship will begin at 10:00 a.m. and when you sign on you will be prompted for your name and email. We would encourage you to arrive a little before 10:00 a.m.
To connect for our virtual Sunday Mass, click here.
In these difficult times it is important to be as close as possible to family and friends. As a community gathered in the Name of the Lord Jesus and under the patronage of St. Augustine let us strengthen each other through this act of celebrating mass together.
Standardized Testing Webinar Hosted by College Counseling
Drew Heilpern, Ph.D. of Summit Educational Group
The Office of College Counseling is excited for the next event in their webinar series to help prepare students for the college admissions process. On Monday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m., Drew Heilpern, Ph.D., the Chief Brand Ambassador for Summit Educational Group, will join Mr. Brian Ford, Director of College Counseling, for a discussion about how to best prepare for this year's Advanced Placement exams, the uncertainty centered around standardized testing for the 2020-2021 academic year, and how best to take advantage of the summer months to prepare for these exams. Join us to learn about planning, strategies, and the latest news surrounding the CollegeBoard, the Advanced Placement exams, the SAT, and the ACT.
To register for the webinar, please click here.
School Wide Student Government Information Sessions
Interested in being part of the School-Wide Student Government next year? There will be two information sessions to learn more about the obligations, process, and deadlines. The information session dates for the School-Wide positions are:
- Tuesday, May 5th at 12:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 6th at 12:00 p.m.
If you would like to attend either of these sessions, email Mr. Patrick Costello, Coordinator of Student Activities, at patrick.costello@austinprep.
If you are interested in Class Level Student Government opportunities, information sessions for those positions will be available later this month.
Virtual Siblings Day
The Office of Admissions will be hosting a Virtual Sibling Day this year on Tuesday, May 5th. This day may look a little different from years past, but we think it's important to continue the yearly tradition at Austin Prep! Younger siblings in grades 4-9 are invited to experience a day in the shoes of their older brother or sister. Additional information will be communicated to you via email once we have an accurate count of those that would like to attend. If you have a child that is interested in attending, click on the Sibling Day Registration Form to get signed up.
Middle School Students Meet With a Broadway Professional
Theatrical performances are transformative experiences. A small army of creative technicians collaborates to transport audiences to the world of the story. Students in Ms. Kacie Brown’s Middle School Technical Theatre class have been learning about the many intricate technical details that add realism to performances and the professionals who make that magic happen.
On Thursday, April 30th, students welcomed Ashley Rae Callahan to their Zoom Classroom to learn about the art of theatrical hair and wig-making. Ms. Callahan is part of a creative studio based in New York City. She has helped design and create the wigs for Broadway musicals like Beetlejuice and Ain’t Too Proud and has worked with stars like Jennifer Hudson on the musical television spectacular Hairspray Live!
Ms. Callahan spoke about her college studies and career trajectory. She shared details about her specialized craft and the role that wigs play in bringing characters to life on stage. The design and hand-crafted manufacturing process can take from 40 to 100 hours for a typical on-stage wig. Sophia Fanuele ‘26 has been studying Technical Theatre with Ms. Brown all year. “I was surprised by how a wig is made - lots of tiny knots.”
Ms. Callahan showed students examples from her creative portfolio and regaled students with stories of working on Broadway as she answered their questions. "Ms. Callahan taught us that all parts of the musical are important and how every little thing in a show is important. Every detail counts." remarked Ethan Moleterri '25. "I found it so interesting that Beetlejuice went through so many changes before its Broadway performances."
Ms. Callahan and Ms. Brown were classmates at the University of North Carolina School of The Arts.
#AustinPrep2020 Lawn Signs
We had such a great time seeing so many Seniors and their families on Wednesday and Thursday of this week as we delivered Class of 2020 lawn signs. Thank you to everyone who said hello or gave us a wave as we stopped by.
Don't forget to take a photo with your sign and post on social media using the hashtag #AustinPrep2020. We would love to see you with your sign!
Class of 2020 Dance Party
The Class of 2020 had an amazing tribute dance party on Friday night, hosted by 101.7 The Bull FM and The Bull DJ, Colton Bradford. Check it out!
Health and Wellness Support
Austin Prep's Health and Wellness Team is here to support both students and families in our community by providing updated resources and news about how to take care of ourselves during this challenging time. The good news is that there are lots of proven effective ways to take care of ourselves and our students both emotionally and physically while social distancing. Check out our Wellness News: Issue 3 for more details and contact information. We are available to meet virtually and can be contacted by email. We look forward to connecting with you!
You can also view past issues here: Wellness News: Issue 1 and Wellness News: Issue 2.
Austin Prep Alumni Pay Visit to Zoom Classrooms
McKayla Arnold ’15, visited Ms. Marla Pascucci-Byrne's P'26 class this week. She spoke about her first job out of college working as production assistant for Disney most recently on a film for Disney + in Charlestown. She stressed networking, and being a sponge absorbing everything you encounter in college and in the work setting.
Also visiting a class this week was Ashley Samperi ’04, who was in Ms. Cheryl Amari's P'25 freshman seminar talking about being a recruiter and the importance of networking and building a resume.
We are always interested in connecting Austin Prep Alumni with our current faculty and students. If you know an alum who would be interested in contributing to the classroom setting, please reach out to Mrs. Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving, at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org.
Save the Date: Giving Day 2020 is Coming
On Thursday, May 28th our community will come together for a Day of Giving. Be on the look out for more information about this initiative. If you would like to make a gift now, click here to learn more about the Annual Fund!
5.9.2020
May 9th, 2020
Join Us For Virtual Mass Later Today
To allow our staff and families the opportunity to spend Mother's Day together, this week's virtual mass will take place today at 4:00 p.m. Join Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, remotely from the Chapel of St. Augustine. The link to join in the worship is available here.
Coffee and Conversation with the Headmaster
We are pleased to inform you that we have identified the following dates for virtual Headmaster Coffee and Conversation with Headmaster Dr. James Hickey, P'22, '23, '24. These informal gatherings are great opportunities to have high level discussions and open dialogue with Dr. Hickey, and to learn more about Austin Prep. The coffee and conversation will also include an opportunity to meet Dr. William Driscoll '89, who begins his tenure at Austin Prep on July 1, 2020 as Assistant Headmaster and Upper School Head. Here are the dates:
Monday, May 11 - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 13 - 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, May 14 - 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 19 - 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 21 - 2:00 p.m.
The coffee and conversation with Dr. Hickey will run about 45 minutes, and participants will be limited to 15 for each meeting. If you'd like to participate, kindly RSVP with the date to Mrs. Judy Reynolds, Executive Assistant to the Headmaster, at jreynolds@austinprep.org. Once confirmed, Mrs. Reynolds will email you a Zoom meeting invitation to participate.
Join Us for Giving Day
Join us May 28th for our 2nd Annual Day of Giving to support the Annual Fund. Your support this year will have an even greater impact as we expand our efforts to provide immediate financial assistance to current students and families facing increased hardship and financial difficulties. At this time, our families need us more than ever. Sustaining the education of students is a moral obligation we are committed to fulfill. Be on the look out for more information about this initiative. If you would like to make a gift now, click here to learn more about the Annual Fund! Your gift –no matter the size—makes an impact!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Now, more than ever, we must come together to support one another, break the stigma of mental health, and raise awareness of those living with mental illness.
Be Kind to Your Mind
For more information and tips to cope with stress during COVID-19, visit CDC: Managing Stress and Anxiety
- PAUSE. Breathe. Notice how you feel
- TAKE BREAKS from COVID-19 content
- MAKE TIME to sleep and exercise
- REACH OUT and stay connected
- SEEK HELP if overwhelmed or unsafe
Please reach out to our counselors, Mrs. Sarah Holch or Mrs. Jessica Lenci if you have any questions or concerns about your children.
Teacher Appreciation Week
We are thankful for the Austin Prep faculty for their continued efforts in educating our students in the virtual realm as we continue to navigate the COVID pandemic. As we conclude Teacher Appreciation Week, we express our gratitude for the work of these men and women this year, and most especially over these past two months.
When Gov. Baker made his initial decision to shutter all of the schools in the Commonwealth on March 13, the Austin Prep faculty rallied. Scheduled professional development time was quickly transitioned into a deployment of MacBooks and an intensive training on Zoom classrooms. Austin Prep was fully operational with scheduled courses and advisory on March 18. Teachers quickly adapted to the new platform and were eager to share instructional strategies with colleagues to make the student experience rich and engaging. Above all, students and teachers prized the personalized connections and interaction that this platform provided.
Over the past two months, Austin Prep’s teachers have continued to advance the community in the virtual realm. Teachers have moderated clubs and activities for students, hosted meeting rooms, forums, and extra help sessions, and celebrated student achievements through showcases, video messages, and notes. These actions underscore that the philosophy of teaching at Austin Prep is about more than animating a student’s mind: it is about imprinting on each student’s heart and character through shared community experiences.
Modeling lifelong learning, Austin Prep’s teachers have attended professional development webinars and workshops, redesigned curricula, reimagined assessment, and welcomed 18 new students and families to Austin Prep. At the vanguard of instruction, members of Austin Prep’s faculty are now leading conversations as panelists and presenters in regional and national webinars.
As we continue to recognize the work of our faculty in a special way this week, we invite you to revisit our Celebrating Caritas page and to consider celebrating a teacher for a job well done.
Dancers, Vocalists, and Musicians Shine in Senior Showcase
Sunday's Senior Showcase of Art & Design students was a success! The virtual event for Senior musicians, vocalists, and dancers provided students the opportunity to perform and display their talents virtually for the Austin Prep community. After the show, Art and Design Chair Mrs Marla Pascicci-Byrne P'26 and Art and Design Faculty and Choir Director Faculty Mr. Stephen Williams virtually tossed flowers to senior performers. Shown above receiving flowers are Genevieve Rhodes '20 and Sydney Newcomb '20.
Baccalaureate Mass is Sunday, May 17
The Class of 2020 Banner was raised in Richard J. Meelia Hall during Convocation in September, 2019.
Austin Prep will celebrate a virtual Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2020 on Sunday, May 17th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. from the Chapel of St. Augustine. Austin Prep’s Chaplain, Father Patrick Armano, will celebrate the mass and offer it for the Class of 2020. An invitation to the community will be sent early next week. Among the highlights of the Baccalaureate Mass will be the lowering of the Class of 2020 banner in Richard J. Meelia Hall.
Spring 2020 Journey is Here!
We are excited to share the latest edition of Journey magazine. The magazine shares news from our alumni, students, faculty and parents, and provides a glimpse into student life and our alumni in action. The Spring 2020 Edition features alum David D. Quirk '84. Click here to read the electronic version. Enjoy!
Tennis Courts Take Shape
Progress continues on the lower fields athletic complex. The Tennis Court area, shown above, is nearly ready for surfacing.
Office of Admissions Hosts Sibling Day
The Office of Admissions hosted their annual Sibling Day on Tuesday. Over 30 siblings attended Zoom classes together where they were welcomed by students and faculty. They participated in a Family Feud-style trivia during Cougar Block in which families teamed up to answer a variety of questions. The winner of trivia was the Marquardt '23 Family! Thank you to all who participated!
Happy Mother's Day
Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and all who are mother-like figures.
“And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” – Luke 2:51
5.16.2020
May 16th, 2020
Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2020
Join us as we celebrate virtual Baccalaureate Mass for the Austin Prep Class of 2020. Mass will take place Sunday, May 17th at 10:00 a.m. remotely from the Chapel of St. Augustine on the campus of Austin Prep. Mass will feature live readings from Senior Class Officers and the lowering of the Class of 2020 banner in Richard J. Meelia Hall. To participate in the Mass, please click here just before 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
While the Baccalaureate Mass is held in honor of the Class of 2020, all members of the Austin Prep community are welcome to attend virtually this Sunday. To help with your planning, due to the special nature of the ceremony, the Baccalaureate Mass will be slightly longer than our regular virtual Sunday Masses.
Join us May 28th for our Day of Giving
Join us May 28th for our 2nd Annual Day of Giving to support the Annual Fund. Your support this year will have an even greater impact as we expand our efforts to provide immediate financial assistance to current students and families facing increased hardship and financial difficulties. At this time, our families need us more than ever. Sustaining the education of students is a moral obligation we are committed to fulfill. Be on the look out for more information about this initiative. If you would like to make a gift now, or to learn more about our Day of Giving, click here now. Your gift –no matter the size—makes an impact!
Coffee and Conversation with Dr. Hickey
There are two dates left and limited space for virtual Headmaster Coffee and Conversation with Headmaster Dr. James Hickey, P'22, '23, '24. These informal gatherings are great opportunities to have high level discussions and open dialogue with Dr. Hickey, and to learn more about Austin Prep. The coffee and conversation will also include an opportunity to meet Dr. William Driscoll '89, who begins his tenure at Austin Prep on July 1, 2020 as Assistant Headmaster and Upper School Head. Here are the remaining dates:
Tuesday, May 19 - 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, May 21 - 2:00 p.m.
The coffee and conversation with Dr. Hickey will run about 45 minutes, and participants will be limited to 15 for each meeting. If you'd like to participate, kindly RSVP with the date to Mrs. Judy Reynolds, Executive Assistant to the Headmaster, at jreynolds@austinprep.org. Once confirmed, Mrs. Reynolds will email you a Zoom meeting invitation to participate.
College Counseling Webinar Week
The Office of College Counseling is excited to present its College Counseling Summer Planning Webinar Week starting May 26th.
The Office of College Counseling is excited to continue its webinar series with a College Counseling Summer Planning Webinar Week to end the year and prepare families for the summer ahead as it relates to college admissions. Below are the webinars being offered, as well as steps for registration:
Tuesday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m. - Financial Aid During COVID-19
Matt Carpenter, Founder and Managing Partner of College Funding Services, will join Mr. Brian Ford, Director of College Counseling, in a discussion about the unique financial aid landscape in today's college admissions world, and what are some steps families can be taking during uncertain times. To register, click here.
Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. - Common Application Walk-Through
The College Counseling Office will take you on a tour of the Common Application, including how to start an account, the best steps in filling it out, and some strategies to make your application stand out. While this program is geared specifically for juniors, other grades are more than welcome to attend to gain a leg up in the process! To register, click here.
Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. - A Presentation on the State of College Admissions & Summer Planning Strategies
Mr. Ford will present on the state of College Admissions, as well as give helpful tips for families as they head off into the summer months. In such a unique landscape, it is now more important than ever to understand the larger scope of college admissions trends, as well as using the summer months to prepare for fall. To register, click here.
If you have any questions about the webinar week, please contact Mr. Ford.
Free Boot Camp With the "College Essay Guy"
Additionally, The Office of College Counseling is excited to offer students the chance to join a one-week college essay boot camp delivered by Ethan Sawyer, also known as the “College Essay Guy.” Our relationships with NACAC and NEACAC affords Austin Prep students the opportunity to join his summer essay boot camp from June 1st - 5th at no cost.
Ethan Sawyer is a nationally recognized college essay expert and sought-after speaker. A graduate of Northwestern University, Ethan holds an MFA from UC Irvine and two counseling certificates. Each year he helps thousands of students and counselors through his online courses, workshops, articles and books, and works privately with a small number of students.
To view the full details of the one-week workshop, click here.
More details on the course and how to register will be sent from The Office of College Counseling next week. In the meantime, please reach out to Mr. Brian Ford, Director of College Counseling, with questions.
Virtual Student Art Show
As a result of not being able to have a physical art show to close the year, we have put together a virtual art show to showcase student artwork from this year. Click here to view the show. While only a few works from the first semester were available to include under these circumstances, we hope you will enjoy this showcase of Austin Prep's best artwork from the second semester! We are really proud of the work this year, we hope you enjoy!
#AustinAlways
Some of our graduating seniors are part of Austin Prep legacy families. Check out these pictures of Class of 2020 graduates and their parents who are Austin Prep Alums. We are excited to welcome the Class of 2020 to the ranks of Austin Prep Alumni, and congratulations to the Caruso, Centrella, Connolly, and Donohoe Families!
Ms. Lenci Leads Health and Wellness Webinar
On Tuesday, Ms. Jessica Lenci, School Counselor, led a live webinar that focused on the social-economic needs of students upon return to school during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited that Austin Prep faculty are leading educational discussions for colleagues around the nation.
Class of 2020 Accomplishments
While the year did not end as planned, that does not diminish the accomplishments of our senior class. The Class of 2020 has made their mark in Austin Prep history, as their contributions over the years have led to a better, stronger, and more vibrant school community. Austin Prep is so very proud of you.
5.23.2020
May 23rd, 2020
Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2020
At the conclusion of Ascension Thursday Mass, Headmaster James Hickey, Ph.D. P'22, '23, '24 announced to the Austin Prep community a special Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2020. The Celebration of the Eucharist for the Class of 2020 will take place on Friday, May 29th at 9:00 a.m. on Fr. Seymour Field. Full details of the event were sent yesterday to the Austin Prep community by Dr. Hickey. We are grateful to Town of Reading officials for their support as we offer this liturgy for the Class of 2020.
Giving Day is This Thursday
We invite all parents, faculty, staff, alumni, past parents, grandparents, and friends to support Austin Prep on our annual Day of Giving this Thursday, May 28.
The second annual Austin Prep Day of Giving is a concentrated, community-wide fundraising initiative to help bolster the Annual Fund. This year, given the unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the day will focus on securing vital support for annual operational needs, including expanding safety and health procedures, continuing the professional development of our faculty in the best practices of distance learning, investing in technology that supports remote teaching and learning, and increasing the level of support for families in need of financial assistance to prevent the interruption of any student’s education.
“As we move forward through these challenging times and plan for the future, our community – particularly our students and their teachers – are at the forefront of our remote learning strategies and planning efforts.” Headmaster James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24 said. “This year’s Day of Giving will have an even greater impact as we look forward to a return to campus and an expansion of our efforts to provide immediate tuition assistance to current students and families facing increased hardship and financial difficulties. At this time, our families need us more than ever.”
To initiate and provide leadership for this year’s Day of Giving, the Austin Prep Board of Trustees have made a commitment of $45,000 to kick start the fundraising campaign.
“The Austin Prep community has come together in innovative and inspiring ways to confront our most urgent challenges, and we are immensely proud of how we have risen to the challenge presented by the pandemic.” Board of Trustees Chair Daniel Bouchard, P’10, ’14, ’15 said. “As a Board, our spirit is inspired, strong, and optimistic. We are clearly united around the issues facing our community, and the Day of Giving is an opportunity to keep Austin Prep families together, when it matters most.”
While the Day of Giving does not officially commence until May 28, supporters can visit here now to make a tax-deductible gift to Austin Prep. Gifts can also be mailed to Austin Prep, c/o The Office of External Affairs, 101 Willow Street, Reading, Ma. 01867. For more information on the Day of Giving, contact Susan Belanger, Assistant Headmaster for External Affairs or call (781) 944-4900 x817.
New Summer Session Coming to Austin Prep
This July, Austin Prep will host Summer Session 2020, a menu of original course offerings for students. Stemming from Austin Prep’s successful integration of a Remote Teaching and Learning Environment this spring, faculty developed a series of courses and workshops to sustain student learning over the summer months.
Enrichment courses will provide students the chance to take a deep dive into a topic with a unique spin on the academic discipline. Courses like Geography through the Zombie Apocalypse, Brush Up Your Shakespeare, and Baseball & 20th Century American History, are tailor-made for summer study. A series of introductory and review-style courses in Latin, Mandarin, Mathematics, and Spanish offer a structured environment for students to reinforce and practice important concepts and skills. Several workshops on organization, study skills, and the College application process round out the program.
Please be on the lookout for an email from Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, on Wednesday, May 27. His email will include a link to our Summer Session catalog and the registration portal.
Virtual Sunday Mass
Virtual Sunday mass will continue with Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain from the Chapel of St. Augustine tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. The link to join in the worship is available here.
These times of prayer will afford us the opportunity of gathering, although at a distance, together in prayer and unity for ourselves, our families, but especially for so many who have been invited this year to bear on their bodies the wounds of Christ (Galatians 6:17).
ULA Graduation
Members of the Unitas Leadership Academy participate in a team building exercise in October.
Members of the Unitas Leadership Academy (ULA) participated in a year-end graduation ceremony Thursday through Zoom. Despite the shortened year, this year's program provided students with great leadership experiences that provided lessons and memories for years to come. Highlights included a visit from the FBI, various team building exercises, a seminar with State Representative Brad Jones , and a visit to Endicott College to take part in crisis management planning.
As a part of graduation, each ULA member received a copy of the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. A New York Times bestseller and the basis for a popular TedTalk, the book documents real life Navy SEAL experiences, the principles of these examples, and then finally its application to business, and should provide the students a resource for years to come.
College Counseling Webinar Series Continues This Week
As a reminder, The Office of College Counseling is excited to continue its webinar series with a College Counseling Summer Planning Webinar Week starting May 26th. Below are the webinars being offered, as well as steps for registration:
Tuesday, May 26th at 7:00 p.m. - Financial Aid During COVID-19
Matt Carpenter, Founder and Managing Partner of College Funding Services, will join Mr. Brian Ford, Director of College Counseling, in a discussion about the unique financial aid landscape in today's college admissions world, and what are some steps families can be taking during uncertain times. To register, click here.
Wednesday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. - Common Application Walk-Through
The College Counseling Office will take you on a tour of the Common Application, including how to start an account, the best steps in filling it out, and some strategies to make your application stand out. While this program is geared specifically for juniors, other grades are more than welcome to attend to gain a leg up in the process! To register, click here.
Thursday, May 28th at 7:00 p.m. - A Presentation on the State of College Admissions & Summer Planning Strategies
Mr. Ford will present on the state of College Admissions, as well as give helpful tips for families as they head off into the summer months. In such a unique landscape, it is now more important than ever to understand the larger scope of college admissions trends, as well as using the summer months to prepare for fall. To register, click here.
If you have any questions about the webinar week, please contact Mr. Brian Ford, Director of College Counseling.
Austin Open Golf Tournament Tentatively Scheduled for August 24th
Although rescheduled, event sponsorships for the 33rd Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament are still available.
We are pleased to announce a tentative, rescheduled date for the 33rd Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament. That date is August 24th at Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover, Ma., with a start time of 7:30 a.m. Stay tuned for additional details.
The Annual Golf Tournament is vital in our efforts to continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for all our students. Proceeds from past golf tournaments have funded numerous campus initiatives, including the recently renovated David E. Nelson '81 Fitness Center. Now, more than ever, we welcome your participation in the event, either as a golfer or sponsor. Event sponsorships help make our event a success, and a wide array of sponsorships are available on our website here. We appreciate all those who have already committed to helping us make this a great event, and look forward to having additional members of the community join us.
If you have questions about golf sponsorships or the event in general, please contact Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Headmaster for External Affairs.
Memorial Scholarships Recipients Announced
We are honored to announce Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2020-2021 academic year. Students in Grades 9-11 were eligible to apply for the awards and recipients demonstrated significant academic achievement and service contributions to the Austin Prep community, among other qualities. Memorial Scholarships are available to our students due to the generosity of Austin Prep families and friends who have created funds in memory of a loved one. We are proud of our students and grateful for the support of those who make these scholarships possible.
THE ROSS A. ALAMEDDINE ’05 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Emma Kilbride ‘21
THE JOHN V. ALIBERTI MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Jenna Nadeau ‘22
THE THOMAS N. CALLAHAN ’10 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Jonathan Brand ‘23
THE KRISTEN M. CORBETT ’08 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Madison Terry ‘22
THE KRISTEN M. CORBETT ’08 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Lauryn Hanafin ‘22
THE FRANCIS J. CUMMINGS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Kyra O’Neill ‘22
THE FRANCIS T. DUGGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Sydney Pilla ‘23
THE FRANCIS T. DUGGAN MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Nicholas Fanuele '22
THE ALYCE AND FRED GILFEATHER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Olivia Doherty ‘22
THE JAMES M. McGONAGLE II '01 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Patricia Bibeau ‘22
THE GEORGE “MATT” MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Ashley Murdock ‘21
THE ALYSSA L. NANOPOULOS ’08 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Meredith McDonough ‘22
THE DAVID E. NELSON ’81 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Lillian Harmon ‘23
THE HERBERT W. PETERSON, JR. AND CLAIRE M. PETERSON
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Casey Ahlin ‘23
THE ARISTEDES (ARTIE) C. SPEROS, JR. ’85
MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
TJ Brosnan ‘21
THE MICHAEL G. SVERDLOVE '14 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Kate Simpson ‘21
THE WILLIAM B. TURNER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Riley Abbott ‘23
THE AP TEACHERS ASSOCIATION MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Anjali Serrano ‘23
2020 Summer Assignments
The 2020 Summer Assignments portal is now live in Veracross and accessible here. Here, students will find information about Austin Prep's community summer reading book Outcasts United by Warren St. John as well as information about assignments for other courses. Please be in touch with Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School with any immediate questions.
Tips for Maintaining Focus and Managing Stress
As we reach the final weeks of school, our School Counselors wanted to share these quick and easy tips to help students finish strong:
- Switch it Up Inspiration will not come from sitting in the same chair you’ve been sitting in for the past 9 weeks! If possible, switch up your work space, positioning yourself in a light and distraction-free setting.
- Make a List Prioritize when and what you need to do. Start with the tough stuff first to get it out of the way. Cross things off as you go.
- Don’t Wait Procrastination will cause unnecessary stress. Use a planner to map out assignments and due dates. Spread work out over several days.
- Stay “CALM” Use this simple practice to ground yourself and check into and then relax four big zones of our body (C-Chest, A-Arms, L-Legs, M-Mouth). When we relax our body zone by zone, it becomes physiologically almost impossible to also be stressed or overwhelmed with emotions. (Dr. Chris Willard, Mindfulness Expert)
- Back to Basics: Sleep, Eat, Exercise Keep your brain focused, fueled, and rested by eating healthy, getting adequate sleep, and moving your body.
The Health and Wellness Counselors are here to help. Please email Mrs. Sarah Holch or Mrs. Jessica Lenci if you would like to set up a time to talk.
Have a Happy Memorial Day
While there will be no parades this year, this is still a day to take a moment to remember and honor all the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country. To our entire Austin Prep community, we wish you a very Happy Memorial Day.
5.30.2020
May 30th, 2020
Over $255,000 Raised During Day of Giving
THANK YOU!!! We are so incredibly thankful to everyone who supported us on Austin Prep's Day of Giving! The Austin Prep Community contributed over $255,000 to help support the Annual Fund. Your generosity this year will have an incredible impact as we aim to secure the necessary funding to continue to support the training and technological needs of our remote teaching and learning efforts, and to provide greater financial assistance to our families in need.
If you missed our Day of Giving, you can still contribute. Our goal is to raise $300,000 by the end of the fiscal year (June 30) to help support the aforementioned initiatives, so we still need your help. If you would like to make a gift, or to learn more about our Day of Giving, click here now. Your gift –no matter the size—makes an impact!
Student Art and Design Showcase Returns Tomorrow
Please join us Sunday, May 31st at 6:00 p.m. for our Student Showcase of Art & Design students. This is an opportunity for musicians, vocalists, and dancers to perform and display their talents for the Austin Prep community. Seniors had an opportunity to perform virtually a few weeks ago and did an amazing job. Tomorrow is your opportunity to enjoy the performances from the rest of our student community. You can click here to view the show.
Virtual Sunday Mass Tomorrow
We will be holding virtual Sunday mass with Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain from the Chapel of St. Augustine tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. The link to join in the worship is available here.
These times of prayer will afford us the opportunity of gathering, although at a distance, together in prayer and unity for ourselves, our families, but especially for so many who have been invited this year to bear on their bodies the wounds of Christ (Galatians 6:17).
Free Boot Camp With the "College Essay Guy"
The Office of College Counseling is excited to offer students the chance to join a one-week college essay boot camp delivered by Ethan Sawyer, also known as the “College Essay Guy.” Our relationships with NACAC and NEACAC affords Austin Prep students the opportunity to join his summer essay boot camp from June 1st - 5th at no cost.
Ethan Sawyer is a nationally recognized college essay expert and sought-after speaker. A graduate of Northwestern University, Ethan holds an MFA from UC Irvine and two counseling certificates. Each year he helps thousands of students and counselors through his online courses, workshops, articles and books, and works privately with a small number of students.
To view the full details of the one-week workshop, click here. Please reach out to Mr. Brian Ford, Director of College Counseling, with questions.
Literary Magazine Now Available
The Spring 2020 edition of Austin Prep's Literary magazine, Tolle Lege, is available now. Austin Prep encourages students to develop their talents in the arts and writing, and raise student voices in the school community. Some of the contents include flash fiction, poetry, digital and traditional art and photography, student manifestos, short stories, and even an excerpt from a novel. You can enjoy the writing and artwork by clicking here. If you are inspired to write, draw, and create, learn more by contacting English Chair, Mrs. Nicole Putney, P'26.
New Summer Session at Austin Prep
We are excited to share the details about Austin Prep Summer Session 2020 with you. Building off the successful launch of Austin Prep’s Remote Teaching and Learning environment this spring, our Summer Session is an innovative virtual program for both Upper and Middle School students that includes a series of engaging courses designed to sustain students’ enthusiasm for learning and maintain connections between students during the summer months.
A menu of enrichment courses approach a familiar discipline through a unique lens. Geography through the Zombie Apocalypse or Baseball and 20th Century American History will provide students with an opportunity to take a deep dive into topics as they think critically and creatively.
Introductory and review-style courses provide a sense of structure and support as students sharpen their skills and strengthen their academic foundation in Mathematics and World Language.
With classes capped at 15 students and led by a member of the Austin Prep faculty, students benefit from an engaging environment that will help keep their academic goals on track. In addition to fellow Austin Prep students, classmates may include students from other Augustinian schools or other schools spread throughout the country, creating an opportunity to broaden perspectives not only about content but on the world itself.
We invite you to learn more about Austin Prep Summer Session and peruse the Summer Session Catalog here. Registration is now open, and classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Summer Session is being coordinated by Head of Middle School Mr. Michael McLaughlin. He can be reached directly with any questions about the program or any of the specific courses.
Last Week of the Academic Year
But before we turn our attention to Summer, however, there is one last week of classes at Austin Prep. That schedule, including a Community Meeting on Monday, can be found here.
The Class of 1970 Celebrates 50 Years Tomorrow
As is tradition at Austin Prep, as we honor the current graduates, we also invite back alumni celebrating their 50th year reunion. Due to the circumstances, that was not possible this year. To honor the Class of 1970, the program from their Commencement, which would have taken place 50 years ago tomorrow, can be viewed here and here. We look forward to welcoming the Class of 1970 back to campus again in the near future!
Baccalaureate Mass for the Class of 2020
Senior Class Salutatorian Jenna Albanese '20
Friday was a beautiful day on the campus of Austin Prep as the community came together to celebrate Baccalaureate Mass in honor of the Class of 2020. In case you missed it, all the details from the day can be found here.