November 2019
11.2.2019
And The Winner Is...The winner of this year's Tuition Raffle is the Siano '23 Family. Congratulations! Click here to view video from the Tuition Raffle announcement. We had a wonderful night last night at the Signature Event. Thank you to all who participated. A full recap will be in next week's Cougar Courier!
|
Austin Prep Honors First Responders at Blue Mass
Representatives from the Reading Police and Fire Departments, as well as first responders from the Austin Prep community, turned out for Austin Prep’s 4th Annual Blue Mass on Friday. The Mass is held annually in gratitude for all those who put their lives on the line for others. “We all know a first responder, and today we stand with the first responders in the Reading and Austin Prep communities," James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24 said. “I extend our thanks to those first responders with us today, and pledge our resources to helping make your job easier." Austin Prep parents who are first responders were also on hand for the Mass, which was held on All Saints' Day. The homily was read by Augustinian friar Fr. Andres Nino, OSA, Ph.D., who drew parallels between the work of first responders and the Augustinian charism of Restlessness.
After Mass, Fr. Nino blessed the emergency vehicles in the school parking lot and gave a special blessing to the first responders. Following the Mass, first responders enjoyed a full breakfast on campus. For more pictures from the Blue Mass, click here.
|
Headmaster Coffee and Conversation
The next Headmaster Coffee and Conversation with James Hickey, Ph.D. P'22, '23, '24 will take place Wednesday, November 6th at 8:15 a.m. in the Gathering Room. These informal gatherings are great opportunities for both new and returning families to have high level discussions and open dialogue with Dr. Hickey regarding his vision for Austin Prep, the school's strategic plan, and other school updates as Austin Prep continues forward progress to the future. If you plan to attend, kindly RSVP to Mrs. Judy Reynolds at jreynolds@austinprep.org. The final fall date for Headmaster Coffee and Conversation will be Wednesday, December 11th at 8:15 a.m.
|
In Vino Veritas
Please gather friends and join Fr. Stephen Curry, O.S.A., Ed.D. for a fun, informative evening featuring light hors d’oeuvres and four wines from the Tuscan Region. This is a great event for current parents or a way to introduce potential families to Austin Prep while learning about wine pairings! Registration includes a souvenir wine glass, four wine tastings and food pairings. The event takes place Tuesday, November 5th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room at Austin Prep. The price is $25 per person. Space is limited, and you can register here. Questions to Ms. Brianna Robbins, Executive Assistant and Events Manager, at brianna.robbins@austinprep. Please note: This event is open to faculty, staff, parents, alumni and their guests 21+ years only.
|
Open House a Success
The Office of Admissions would like to thank faculty, staff, students and parents for making this year's Open House a tremendous success. Despite unfavorable weather, Austin Prep welcomed over 500 people to campus. Visitors had the opportunity to meet Middle and Upper School faculty, school leaders, coaches, and take tours of our campus with Green Key Student Ambassadors. It was an opportunity for prospective families to learn more about what makes the Austin Prep Journey so special.
|
Big Austin Prep Turnout for Red Bandanna 5k
Austin Prep continued its programming associated with The Red Bandanna by participating in the 15th annual Welles Crowther Red Bandanna 5k at Boston College last Saturday. The event brings together Welles' family, friends, BC alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends from all over the country to celebrate and honor his life. Dan Ponsetto, Race Director and Director for the Volunteer and Service Learning Center at Boston College, welcomed participants and specifically referenced and thanked the 40 Austin Prep students, faculty, staff and parents who participated in the event. Prior to the race, the Austin Prep team was fortunate to meet with Mrs. Allison Crowther, Welles’ mother, for a group picture.
|
Fall Play is Approaching - New Online Ticketing Option Available!
Tickets for the Fall Play are now available! Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets will continue to be available at the door. “VICTORIA MARTIN: MATH TEAM QUEEN” A PLAY BY KATHERINE WALAT When uber-popular Vickie Martin joins the math team, chaos theory becomes the rule at Longwood High School. Can this goddess of Pi possibly make the mathletes victorious? Totally! A play for the whole family. ● Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. ● Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. ● Sunday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m.
|
Austin Prep Reunion in South Carolina
Members of the Austin Prep community past and present met up at Clemson University last Saturday for the Boston College vs. Clemson Football Game. Elizabeth Urick '23 visited sister Catherine Urick '19, who is a current Clemson student. Austin Prep Trustee Matt Pimentel '01, a Clemson alum, was in attendance as well. Clemson defeated BC 59-7. |
11.9.2019
|
|
In Vino Veritas
We would like to thank Fr. Stephen Curry, O.S.A., Ed.D. of Merrimack College, and all those who attended our "In Vino Veritas" event this week. It was a fun and informative evening featuring light hors d’oeuvres and four wines from the Tuscan Region. Fr. Curry provided an extensive education into the world of wine tasting while adding perspective on our Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. We look forward to welcoming Fr. Curry back to campus in the future!
|
Fall Play is Approaching - New Online Ticketing Option Available!
Tickets for the Fall Play are now available! Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets will continue to be available at the door. “VICTORIA MARTIN: MATH TEAM QUEEN” A PLAY BY KATHERINE WALAT When uber-popular Vickie Martin joins the math team, chaos theory becomes the rule at Longwood High School. Can this goddess of Pi possibly make the mathletes victorious? Totally! A play for the whole family. ● Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. ● Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. ● Sunday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m.
|
Austin Prep Holiday Traditions
Austin Prep holiday traditions are just around the corner! Save the date for Lessons and Carols and the Nutcracker performance. Lessons and Carols will take place on Thursday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. and Nutcracker performances will occur on Saturday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 15th at 2:00 p.m.. More information will be available in forthcoming editions of the Cougar Courier. Don't miss out on these holiday favorites!
|
Post Season Success for Fall Athletics Programs
Saturday marks a busy day for our Fall Athletics Programs participating in post-season play. The Volleyball team is competing in the MIAA North Division 3 Finals against Ipswich High School at Tewksbury High School at 12:00 p.m. The Cross Country team is competing in the MIAA State Divisional Meet at the Wrentham Developmental Center at 12:55 p.m. Additionally, Football is in action today at Northeast Tech at 10:30 a.m., and the Cheerleading team hosts the CCL Cheerleading Invitational in Richard J. Meelia Hall on the Austin Prep campus. For game updates and results be sure to follow the Austin Prep Athletics Department on Twitter here. The Boys and Girls Soccer teams had strong showings this year as both teams advanced to the MIAA North Division 4 Soccer Quarterfinals before being eliminated earlier this week. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes for a successful Fall season.
|
Mandatory Disney World Senior Trip MeetingThe long awaited senior trip to Disney World is quickly approaching. We are holding a mandatory parent meeting on Tuesday, November 19th at 7:15 p.m. in the Heritage Room. At this brief, but extremely important meeting, we will be distributing trip-specific paperwork, discussing behavioral expectations, and answering any questions you may have regarding the trip. We looking forward to seeing you then. |
Fashion Show to Support the David K. Johnson Foundation
Austin Prep is once again proud to work with local community partner the David K. Johnson Foundation in hosting the 6th Annual Aine’s Boutique Fashion Show benefitting the DJK Foundation. The event takes place on Friday, November 15th at 6:00 p.m. in Richard J. Meelia Hall. The DJK Foundation has graciously provided those in the Austin Prep community the opportunity to purchase tickets at a discounted price of $100 a ticket (a $50 discount). To purchase tickets click here and enter the special code "AUSTINPREP."
|
Class Reunions for Classes ending in 4 & 9
The Class of 2018 gathered for last-year's pre-Thanksgiving Day Alumni Breakfast It is that time of year for class reunions, which take place November 27th - 30th. This year reunions are for classes ending in 4 & 9. Pre-registration is required by Friday, November 15th for all reunions. Details are as follows: Wednesday, November 27th -- Class of 2019 Alumni Breakfast Friday, November 29th -- Reunion for Classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994 & 1999 Saturday, November 30th -- 5th Reunion: Class of 2014 As you go through this online registration process, the Class of 2014 invite you to contribute to the Michael G. Sverdlove '14 Memorial Fund at Austin Prep in memory of our classmate, Mike. While he will not be physically present with us on November 30th, his spirit lives on through us and current Austin Prep students. Saturday, November 30th-- Reunion for Class of 2009 & Class of 2004 For more reunion information, please contact Director of Alumni Relations and Giving Jennifer Hodgdon, jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org or 781.944.4900 x852.
|
Austin Prep Faculty Continue Their Development Outside of the Classroom
English Chair Mrs. Nicole Putney P'26 recently presented at the Massachusetts Computer Using Educators (MassCue) Conference at Gillette Stadium. Mrs. Putney's presentation focused on how she uses technology to help students innovate and collaborate while in the Austin Prep Writing Center. While at Gillette Stadium she also met Pat the Patriot and tried on the Super Bowl ring! |
Peabody Essex Museum Field Trip
Faculty members Ms. Claire Crane, Ms. Kristen Donnelly, and Mr. Tony Biscardi '88 led a language field trip to the Peabody Essex Museum this week. Among the exhibits Austin Prep students visited was a 200 year old Chinese house re-erected at the Museum.
|
Austin Prep Service Club Participates in Inclusive School Dance
Austin Prep Service Club members celebrated Halloween with Communitas at the Inclusive High School Dance. Communitas is a non-profit organization that delivers individualized, family-centered services, programs and support for people of all abilities, across their lifespan and in their communities. Our students and the Communitas students all had a terrific time! #Unitas
|
The Debate Continues
Students in Mr. Tony Biscardi's '88 AP European History class conducted the annual Enlightenment Salon yesterday. The class took on personas of various people including Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Voltaire, Wollstonecraft, Newton, and Copernicus and debated topics ranging from government, censorship, God, and science. Some students even dressed the part!
|
Happy Birthday!
Wednesday, November 13th marks St. Augustine's 1,665th birthday. The Patron of Austin Prep, St. Augustine is one of the most consequential and well-known saints in the history of the Church, and his teachings help sustain our Journey in pursuit of Truth. “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” - St. Augustine |
11.16.2019
Chabra '20 and Frelick '20 Sign NCAA Division I National Letters of Intent
This past week was a notable week for college bound Austin Prep student-athletes as two seniors signed National Letters of Intent to continue their athletic careers at NCAA Division I institutions. On Wednesday, Michael Chabra '20 signed his Letter of Intent to continue his lacrosse career at Providence College. On Thursday, Frankie Frelick '20 signed her Letter of Intent to play softball at Duke University. Congratulations to Michael and Frankie and best of luck as you continue your athletic careers!
|
Fall Play is Approaching - New Online Ticketing Option Available!
Tickets for the Fall Play are now available! Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets will continue to be available at the door. “VICTORIA MARTIN: MATH TEAM QUEEN” A PLAY BY KATHERINE WALAT When uber-popular Vickie Martin joins the math team, chaos theory becomes the rule at Longwood High School. Can this goddess of Pi possibly make the mathletes victorious? Totally! A play for the whole family. ● Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. ● Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. ● Sunday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m.
|
Add Austin Prep Apparel to Your Holiday Shopping List
Start your holiday shopping for Austin Prep apparel and branded items with our Christmas Online Store - open now to parents, students, faculty and staff.
As you browse the store, take note of the options to either customize some of the apparel with a sports team name or organization, or to purchase items with just the Austin Prep brand. Please remember, only the polo shirts, 1/4 zip and 1/2 zip pullovers are allowed to be worn in school. School approved apparel is identified on the site. All orders will be shipped directly to your home, and should arrive in early December. The deadline to order is Monday, November 18th at midnight Click here to start shopping! |
Signature Event a Success
Senior parents in attendance who served on the Signature Event Committee received recognition at the event. Pictured left to right: Mannie Gouveia P'23, Laura Choma P'18, '20, Dr. James Hickey, P'22, '23, '24, and Karen Goscinak P'20. Senior parent committee members not pictured include Maura Boucher P'20 and Dana Burnham P'18, '20. The 5th Annual Signature Event took place on Friday, November 1st and was another wonderful evening in support of Austin Prep. This year, the event celebrated our Augustinian values of veritas, unitas and caritas with the theme "All You Need is Truth, Unity...and Love." The Signature Event hosted approximately 250 parents and raised over $50,000 to support programs and initiatives for students and faculty. This year was particularly exciting to have the winner of the Tuition Raffle in attendance at the event. Congratulations again to the Siano '23 Family! Additionally, we would like to recognize Mrs. Mannie Gouveia P'23, who worked tirelessly as this year's event chair. Thank you, Mannie! For photos from the event, click here. Thank you to Mr. Ronnie Saini P'23 for the wonderful photos.
|
Don't Forget: Disney World Trip Meeting this TuesdayThe long awaited senior trip to Disney World is quickly approaching. We are holding a mandatory parent meeting on Tuesday, November 19th at 7:15 p.m. in the Heritage Room. At this brief, but extremely important meeting, we will be distributing trip-specific paperwork, discussing behavioral expectations, and answering any questions you may have regarding the trip. We looking forward to seeing you then. |
Upcoming Class Reunions
The Class of 2018 gathered for last-year's pre-Thanksgiving Day Alumni Breakfast It is that time of year for class reunions, which take place November 27th - 30th. Pre-registration is required; there will be no walk-ins. Details are as follows: Wednesday, November 27th -- Class of 2019 Alumni Breakfast Saturday, November 30th -- 5th Reunion: Class of 2014 As you go through this online registration process, the Class of 2014 invite you to contribute to the Michael G. Sverdlove '14 Memorial Fund at Austin Prep in memory of our classmate, Mike. While he will not be physically present with us on November 30th, his spirit lives on through us and current Austin Prep students. Saturday, November 30th-- Reunion for Class of 2009 & Class of 2004 For more reunion information, please contact Director of Alumni Relations and Giving Jennifer Hodgdon, jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org or 781.944.4900 x852.
|
National Novel Writing Month
Have you had a chance to read the new Middle School blog? If not, click here to read the latest entry. You will learn more about English Teacher Mrs. Leeann Blais, her famed library, and a current writing assignment where every seventh grader is challenged to write a minimum 10,000-word novel over the course of the month. The Class of 2025 is expected to write at least 410,000 words – over 900 pages – in November. Will they meet their goal? Read the blog to find out their current status! |
Class of 1970 Gather at Merrimack College
The Office of Alumni Relations hosted members of Austin Prep's Class of 1970 at Merrimack College on November 8th to watch Merrimack Men's Hockey take on Northeastern. The Class of 1970 will celebrate their 50th Reunion at Austin Prep on May 15th-17th, 2020. We look forward to welcoming these jubilarians and their classmates to campus next spring!
|
Students Perform With Hispanic Ballet Theatre
Last week, Ms. Linda Sherry P'24, Ms. Linda Filadoro P'22, '23 and Mr. Bob Hennessy accompanied Spanish 1 students to the Hispanic Ballet theater company’s performance of over 8 different folklore dances from Cuba to Argentina. This Miami-based dance company also included a live orchestra. Cali Lafferty '23 and Joel Mireles '23 took part in a dance lesson at the end of the show representing themselves and Austin Prep with beautiful artistic talent.
|
Model UN Team Competes in Annual Simulation
Members of the Austin Prep Model UN team spent the weekend at Brown University to take part in their annual United Nations Simulation. The students worked tirelessly for fifteen hours throughout the course of the weekend with students from around New England to create resolutions to real world UN issues. It was a great weekend overall with many excited delegations and a lot of fun in and out of the conference!!
|
Go Fly a Kite
Juniors in Mrs. Natalie Petrillo's P'10 Algebra 3 / Trigonometry class used concepts learned in class to build and fly a kite. From ancient China to modern times, geometric arrangements of fabric and rods have helped people rescue sailors, vanquish enemies, predict the weather, invent the airplane, study wind power, and entertain themselves with displays of aerodynamic artistry. In this project students were tasked with turning a sheet of material into a fully functioning kite. Students had to consider weight and area exposed to the wind when they designed their kites. Final requirement for grading? The kite had to fly! |
.png)
11.23.2019
Happy Thanksgiving from Austin Prep
During this special time of year, we are especially grateful that you are a part of the Austin Prep Community. Warmest wishes to you and your family this Thanksgiving. As a reminder, Thanksgiving Break begins Wednesday, November 27th and classes will resume Monday, December 2nd. The Cougar Courier will return on Saturday, December 7th.
|
Thank You Father Joe for Visiting Austin Prep...and for The Holiday!
This week, Fr. Joseph L. Narog, O.S.A., Vocations Director, Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, spent two days on campus, visiting with students, faculty and staff. His stay culminated with the Vocations Mass on Tuesday, where he was the celebrant. The remembrance month of November, which includes All Saints' Day, All Souls' Day, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving, was a central theme for the Mass. "This is a month that leads us to think of the people and experiences in our lives for which we are grateful," Fr. Joe said. "You have a gift of being at a school where you can search for veritas, unitas, and caritas, and pursue a vocation, or a call of action, in search of love." In showing his appreciation for the Austin Prep community, Fr. Joe concluded the Mass by proposing to James Hickey, Ph.D., P'22, '23, '24 an Augustinian Holiday for our School. Dr. Hickey agreed and approved! As a result, Austin Prep will be closed on Friday, December 20th. Enjoy the extra day with your family and friends!
|
Two More Opportunities to See the Fall Play
The Fall Play opened last night, but there are still two more chances to see "Victoria Martin: Math Team Queen." The next performance is tonight, Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 p.m. with the final show on Sunday, November 24th at 2:00 p.m. Come check out Austin Prep Arts in action!
|
Reading Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Austin Prep is proud to serve as the Platinum Sponsor for the annual Reading Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration hosted by the Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce. The event will take place on Sunday, December 1st from 2:00 - 4:30 p.m. on the Reading Town Common. The Austin Prep Choir will be performing on the Cobblestones from 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. Come by and say hello! For more information on the event, click here.
|
24 Students Inducted Into National Junior Honor Society
On Tuesday, November 19th, Austin Prep welcomed 24 seventh and eighth grade students as the newest members of the Austin Prep Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Inductees embody the five pillars of the Society, which include scholarship, service, leadership, citizenship, and character. At the event, Malerie Lague '25 and Madeline Shih '24 presented Mrs. Nicole Putney P'26 with the Inspirational Teacher Award.
The evening concluded with a reception in the dining hall. Congratulations to the 2019 National Junior Honor Society Inductees: Lily Amari Brooke Battaglia Caroline Brabeck Meghan Callahan Emily Clay Rocco Fiacchino Tezza Galletta Nicholas Kuntz Malerie Lague Cristofano Lisa Ella Luongo Nora Matthews Shiv Meiyur Anika Mitta Imogen Moro Owen Sperling Colin Walsh Erin Crisafi Jaya Gupta Marcello Maitino Elena Oulton Matthew Palumbo Madeline Shih Ian Simpson
|
Assistance Needed for Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
All families are welcome to join us for our annual Christmas tradition, Lessons and Carols. This year's event is Thursday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Richard J. Meelia Hall. The evening includes traditional Christmas hymns and carols by the Austin Chorus and Austin Band, as well as scripture readings and short passages about the true meaning of the season.
After the event, our community gathers in the Dining Hall for the Parents Association’s Cookies and Cocoa with Santa. Families enjoy hot chocolate and treats while taking photos with Santa. Volunteers are needed to help with setup and cleanup. Parents may also participate by donating a baked good or treat to the event. Click here if you are able to donate an item or help out at the event.
|
Austin Prep Middle Schooler Takes Home Honors at National Horse Show
Angelica Zizza '26 recently competed in the Color Breed Congress horse show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Color Breed Congress is the largest color breed horse show in the world and encompasses four separate breed shows into one. The participating breeds include: The Pinto Horse Association of America, Palomino Horse Breeders of America, American Miniature Horse Registry and the Appaloosa Horse Club.
Angelica won two-time champion in the hunter under saddle classes competing in the 18 & under division with competitors from across the country. She was also the point leader in Zone 7, covering Maine to New Jersey, and 8th in the Nation. "My horse, Gus, and I have worked very hard to reach this point," Angelica said. "Earning this achievement shows that all the love, passion, and effort that you put into reaching your goals pays off in the end." Congratulations, Angelica!
|
Speed Dating to Find Derivatives
Students in Ms. Alison Fish’s Honors Calculus class reviewed the derivative rules by “speed dating." They worked with a partner to find a derivative and after a set amount of time they rotated partners and problems until every student completed every problem. Students had a lot of fun reviewing for their test, as well as getting to work with several different classmates.
|
Annual Powder Puff Game
Juniors and Seniors battled yesterday after school in the annual Powder Puff Football Game. The Juniors were coached by Mrs. Meghan Harkins, and the Seniors were coached by Ms. Nicolle Renick. The Senior Class prevailed, 26-6!
|
Upcoming Class Reunions
Mrs. Nicole Putney P'26, Mrs. Stephanie Choate, and Mrs. Marla Pascucci-Byrne P'26 look forward to welcoming back the Class of 2019 at Wednesday's reunion breakfast. It is that time of year for class reunions, which take place November 27th - 30th. Pre-registration is required; there will be no walk-ins. Details are as follows: Wednesday, November 27th -- Class of 2019 Alumni Breakfast Saturday, November 30th -- 5th Reunion: Class of 2014 As you go through this online registration process, the Class of 2014 invite you to contribute to the Michael G. Sverdlove '14 Memorial Fund at Austin Prep in memory of our classmate, Mike. While he will not be physically present with us on November 30th, his spirit lives on through us and current Austin Prep students. Saturday, November 30th-- Reunion for Class of 2009 & Class of 2004 For more reunion information, please contact Director of Alumni Relations and Giving Jennifer Hodgdon, jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org or 781.944.4900 x852. |
.jpeg)
101 Willow Street • Reading, MA 01867