Alumni Magazine - Summer 2016
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Summer 2016 Alumni Issue St. Margaret of York School
Transcript of Alumni Magazine - Summer 2016
Summer 2016 Alumni Issue St. Margaret of York School
Greetings to our St. Margaret of York School Graduates and Families!
We are nearing the end of summer and eagerly await the excitement and growth that come with a new school year. As our talented Class of 2016 graduates anticipate the start of their high school experience, it is easy to recall the combination of feelings we all felt at their age - a long time ago for some of us! Please join me in wishing St. Margaret’s newest alumni and alumnae a smooth and successful freshman year.
We hope you enjoyed the e-version of Taking Flight electronically delivered in March. Our goal is to connect with more of you, so please visit the Alumni News Form page found under the ALUMNI tab at www.smoyschool.org. By updating your email and home addresses, you’ll be invited to events and stay up to date with classmates and school happenings. Summer Taking Flight editions are printed and mailed and winter editions are emailed. Help us keep in touch!
While students are busy at camps, pools and in their own backyards, there is still much going on here at school. New materials and textbooks arrive weekly. Teachers pop in to say “hello” and check on their rooms. The most exciting news is that right in line with our ongoing classroom renewal plan, big changes are taking place in the six classrooms that comprise our third and fourth grades! Thanks to the generous donations of many Silverhawk alumni, parents and friends, much-needed improvements are wrapping up. Children will return to refreshed and reconfigured educational environments. Our third and fourth graders will benefit from classrooms that support optimum discovery and learning. Thank you for all you do for the children.
More great news included being recognized in June as a Top Workplace by The Cincinnati Enquirer. This distinction says a lot about our school community: past, present and future. It is an honor to serve as principal of such a noteworthy school and a privilege to share this publication with you. Remarkable things are taking place at St. Margaret of York School!
In Christ’s Peace,
Kevin VancePrincipal
P.S. Please visit our website’s ALUMNI tab at www.smoyschool.org to update your information and send news about yourself!
Catholic education encompasses the whole person, nurturing spiritual, intellectual, social-emotional, artistic and physical aspects of personal development. The staff of St. Margaret of York School fosters this development in a Christian environment, imparts basic Catholic teachings, builds a sense of community, and involves students in active Christian service, both within and beyond the parish school community.
Message from the Principal
Our Philosophy
Taking Flight is published biannually by the Advancement Department to share school and alumni news with alumni, alumni parents and friends of St. Margaret of York School.
We welcome your photos, comments and alumni updates! Please submit contributions to Lisa Galvin-Sang and Megan (Hicks) Phelan ’00.
St. Margaret of York School9495 Columbia RoadLoveland, Ohio 45140513.697.3100 www.smoyschool.org
AdministrationKevin [email protected]
Nancy ShulaAssistant [email protected]
Fr. James BrooksPastor [email protected]
Fr. Timothy FaheyParochial [email protected]
AdvancementLisa Galvin-SangAdvancement [email protected]
Megan (Hicks) Phelan ’00Alumni Outreach [email protected]
AdmissionsLouann McNamaraAdmissions/Office [email protected]
St. Margaret of York School serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Our school is rooted in the values of the Roman Catholic tradition. Through the gospel message, we promote each student’s spiritual, academic and personal growth.
Enhanced curriculum and experiences foster a global perspective that helps students see the interconnected world through the eyes, minds and hearts of others. We support and encourage a diverse community of learners to become responsible stewards of God’s gifts.
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Kevin Deutch ’02
After graduating from St. Margaret in 2002, Kevin Deutch attended Archbishop Moeller High School and University of Kentucky. Kevin has since returned to live and work in Cincinnati.
“I work as an estimator/project manager for a commercial construction com-pany. I have (very) recently gotten engaged to my now fiancé Sarah (from NKY who went to Notre Dame Academy in Kentucky). We really enjoy going to Reds/Bengals games, The Banks, etc. We still see a LOT of SMOY grads and remain extremely close friends.”
Anna Hicks ’02
Anna Hicks, Class of 2002, attended University of Cincinnati after graduating from Mt. Notre Dame High School. A new homeowner, Anna works in the science field and clearly paid attention in Mr. T’s science class back in the day!
“Following college, I started my adult-life as a chemist. For my first couple of years out of school, I worked for Procter & Gamble, and am thrilled to now be an Industrial Quality Laboratory Supervisor at L’Oreal. Our laboratory is located in Northern Kentucky and it has been a dream job getting paid to play with hair products and makeup! I recently bought a home in Kenwood, Ohio, and have loved making it my own. I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my favorite little buddy, my nephew, Franklin (son of Megan (Hicks) Phelan ’00)! I am currently growing a vegetable garden and exploring all of the fun things that Cincinnati has to offer with my friends and family.”
Matthew Kanetzke ’08
St. Margaret’s 2008 graduate Matt Kanetzke attended Archbishop Moeller High School and received his undergraduate degree from University of Cincinnati.
Matt’s sister, Erin (Kanetzke) Torti ’00 and her husband, as well as Matt’s brother Patrick Kanetzke ’03 and his wife, will welcome their first babies this summer.
“I was captain of Moeller’s 2012 State Championship Volleyball Team and graduated in the Class of 2012. I received a bachelor’s in health sciences at the University of Cincinnati where I worked in Admissions and in the Cincin-nati Children’s Hospital Motion Analysis Lab, as well as serving as President of the University’s Tour Guide Organization. I recently began physical therapy school at UC and am looking forward to being an uncle... twice!”
Kevin Deutch ’02 is pictured with his fiancé in front of the Cincinnati skyline on a perfect summer evening out on the town in our fair city.
Matt Kanetzke ’08 recently graduated from University of Cincinnati where he is currently pursuing a further degree in physical therapy. Matt’s mother, Carol Kanetzke (pictured left), is a dedicated physical education teacher at St. Margaret of York School.
Anna Hicks ’02 is an industrial quality laboratory supervisor at L’Oreal USA in Northern Kentucky.
Alumni Take Flight
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Christina (Fleming) Zehnder ’00 and Patrick Fleming ’02
Silverhawks Christina (Fleming) Zehnder, Class of 2000, and Patrick Fleming, Class of 2002, surprised us with an impromptu campus visit this spring. The two siblings became California residents in 2001 when their family moved to the West Coast. Patrick completed his eighth grade year in California. Hoping to run into their former teacher Mr. T (Tarnowski), they were impressed with the many improvements to the school building.
Christina tells us, “I am currently working on my master’s degree in counseling psychology and interning for an organization that provides resources for at-risk youth. Once I graduate, I plan to enroll in a doctoral program in the field of clinical psychology. When I’m not focusing on academic pursuits, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Cole, and our rescue pup.”
Patrick shares, “I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in economics and cur-rently manage accounts for a technology firm in Southern California. Al-though I’m on the West Coast, I still remain a diehard Bengals fan.”
Patrick Schaub ’01
Class of 2001’s Pat Schaub returned to work in Cincinnati two years ago. He and his wife have a seventh month old son and are experiencing their first, wonderful summer as new parents.
“My wife Erin and I moved back to Cincinnati from Nashville, Tennessee in the summer of 2014 and live in Hyde Park. I work for Mars Petcare, and am currently an account manager on our Kroger team here in Cincinnati. I sell the Pet Portfolio (Iams, Pedigree, etc.) but my company also makes M&Ms, Snickers and Milky Way. We welcomed a baby boy into the world on January 4, 2016 - Grady Patrick Schaub. Life is good!!”
Kate (Otto) Spitzer ’00
A graduate of Ursuline Academy and Miami University, Kate (Otto) Spitzer ’00 has lived and worked in Boston, Massachusetts for eight years. Kate married Chris Spitzer in Cincinnati on April 16, 2016.
“I earned my Bachelor’s of Science in health and sports studies in 2008. I majored in nutrition, and moved to Boston shortly after graduation to complete my dietetic internship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. I started working at BIDMC as an inpatient dietitian, and eventually transferred into my current role there as a bariatric dietitian in the Weight Loss Surgery Clinic. I love my job because it allows me to coach patients throughout their journey to a much healthier, and often times happier, life. I met my husband, Chris, during my internship. He is a pharmacist at Fenway Community Health Center, and we live in Boston. We recently got married… there were several SMOYians in attendance!”
Kate (Otto) Spitzer ’00 and her husband, Chris, live in Boston, Massachusetts. Kate is a bariatric dietitian at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and was married in April.
Grady Schaub attended his first Reds game in May with his mother, Erin, and father, Pat Schaub ’01. Go Grady! Go Reds!
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Pictured are Cole Zehnder, Christina (Fleming) Zehnder ’00 and Patrick Fleming. Patrick (who completed his final year of grade school in California) and his sister enjoyed popping into their old classrooms and remi-niscing about favorite teachers. They even left a little fan mail for Mr. T on his white board.
Alumni Take Flight
Hilary Meyer ‘06 and her fiancé are planning an October 2016 wedding at St. Margaret of York Church.
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Mary (Tassone) Virgi ’03
Mary (Tassone) Virgi, Class of 2003, received an undergraduate degree from University of Dayton and a graduate degree from University of Cincinnati. She is a school counselor at St. Paul Catholic School in Florence, Kentucky. An avid marathon runner, she and her husband also enjoy traveling. Mary occasionally collaborates with St. Margaret’s school counselor, Celeste Etzkorn, lending professional expertise when needed. Mary attributes her interest in the field to the positive influence of Mrs. Etzkorn. “I have a Master of Education in school counseling. My husband and I met at the Flying Pig Marathon in 2010 (we both enjoy running). Jon and I were married in 2014 and will be celebrating two years this May! We are currently building a house in Oakley which will be done in the fall. It has been a lot of fun designing it! I am an elementary school counselor at a Catholic school in Northern Kentucky. Mrs. Etzkorn, who is still the school counselor at SMOY, inspired me to become a school counselor. She is an incredible mentor, role model and colleague. SMOY will always hold a special place in my heart and I am grateful for such a strong foundation. My experience at SMOY has helped shape me into the person I am today. Keep thriving!”
Lindsay Weber ’04
After graduating from Kings High School, Lindsay Weber, Class of 2004, studied at Bowling Green State University. Her career has taken her across the country from Los Angeles, California to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“I earned my B.A. in telecommunications with Cum Laude honors in 2011 from Bowling Green State University. During my time at BGSU I interned at the E! Network in LA, so after graduating I moved to Los Angeles for a bit. I worked as an extra casting director for the company Central Cast-ing. Some of my credits can be found at: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5583014/?ref_=fn_al_nm_2. I missed academia and started attending University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Fall 2015. I’m currently earning my M.A. in media studies and I’m also a teaching assistant.”
Hilary Meyer ’06
Hilary Meyer, Class of 2006, is a clinical research coordinator at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
“I have the privilege of working with families with children with develop-mental disorders, most specifically autism and fragile x syndrome. I am also going to be married to my sweet fiancé in October at SMOY, so we are looking forward to making a fun memory there together!”
Mary (Tassone) Virgi ’03 is a school counselor at St. Paul Catholic School. She and her husband will spend a month traveling in Europe this summer. What an exciting trip!
Lindsay Weber ’04 is pictured with actor Chris Pratt. She previously worked for Central Casting in Los Angeles, California and is currently completing a M.A. in Media Studies at University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.
Alumni Take Flight
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Introducing the Class of 2016
Seventy-three of Cincinnati’s best and brightest graduated from St. Margaret of York School on Friday, May 27, 2016. Following a lovely Mass and graduation ceremony, festivities took place in the multipurpose room and gym. Thank you to the many hands and hearts that made the graduates’ experience so intimate and memorable. Congratulations and best wishes to our newest alumni and alumnae. We look forward to watching you soar to new summits!
Four Summit Country Day School Students Inducted into NHS
St. Margaret of York School’s Class of 2013 graduates Matthew LaMacchia, Jake Trzybinski, Duke Tobin and Megan Jones were inducted into the National Honor Society (NHS) on March 16, 2016. “These four are the only students from SMOY’s Class of 2013 who went to Summit and now they’ve all been inducted into the NHS. Also, Jack Meyer, Class of 2012, was recognized as a National Merit Scholar finalist. An impressive group of kids!” shares alumni parent Tricia Trzybinski.
Congratulations to our many alumni and alumnae acknowledged by the National Honor Society in 2016. Photo courtesy of Tricia Trzybinski
Special Birthday Gift for Emily (Etzkorn) Dressler ’01
Emily (Etzkorn) Dressler, Class of 2001, and her husband, Ben, welcomed their first child on June seventh. Thoughtfully arriving three weeks early on her mother’s birthday, little Eloise Celeste Dressler‘s great timing allowed her to enjoy her first wedding. Eloise is pictured here with her mother and grandmother, Celeste Etzkorn. Celeste has caringly served as St. Margaret’s school psychologist since 1992. The entire family celebrated the nuptials of Amy and John Etzkorn, Class of 2004, at St. Margaret of York Church in June. Christy (Etzkorn) VonAllmen, Class of 1998, attended with her husband and three children. What a memorable June for the Etzkorn clan!
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Silverhawks Steal the Show in Man of La Mancha
Evan Gray ’12 (lighting), Leah Gray ’15 (costumes), Sam Konrad ’14 (cast), Hailey Linenkugel ‘14 (costumes), Ben Martin ’12 (music) and Max Williams ‘12 (cast) added their talents to St. Xavier High School’s spring production of Man of La Mancha. A Tony Award winning musical based on the story of Don Quixote, St. Margaret’s graduates shined on stage and behind the scenes. Well done!Photos courtesy of Kim Gray
Alumni Give Back to St. Margaret Students
Class of 2015’s Brian Mauch and Andrew Meisberger, both rising sophomores at St. Xavier High School, volunteered in St. Margaret’s library assisting our younger students. We value our loyal alums and appreciate their time!
Playground Playdate! Saturday, August 27th at 10:00 a.m.Enjoy coffee and a donut with other Silverhawks on St. Margaret of York School’s fabulous playground! Have children? They’re sure to love playing while you catch up with friends in the summer sunshine. No kids? Come on out and join in the fun and friendship. (Sunscreen provided and we’ll bring the party inside if it rains!) RSVP to Lisa Galvin-Sang at [email protected] or 513.697.3125.
We hope to see you!
Do You Have an Idea for Getting Together?We’d love to have your ideas for future alumni social gatherings! Please email suggestions to Lisa at [email protected] or Megan at [email protected]. Thank you!
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Mark Your Calendar
Connect with your fellow St. Margaret of York Alumni! Alumni parents and families are always welcome!
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Help Us Reach You!Jump onto our website’s ALUMNI tab to help us reach you! We want to connect you with your classmates and stay in touch. The Alumni News Form page, found under ALUMNI at www.smoyschool.org is one way to keep us up to date. Or feel free to contact the advancement office at 513.697.3125.
LIKE Our Facebook Page and Experience The School Year with Us! Be a part of our St. Margaret of York School Facebook community. Take a moment to LIKE our Facebook page and get a glimpse of student life in 2016! You’re sure to be uplift-ed by the energy and enthusiasm of the children, parents and staff.
Connect With Us!
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Connect With Us!
Reaching Great Heights
Alumni, Alumni Parents, Staff, Grandparents and Friends Support St. Margaret of York School’s Annual Fund and Classroom Renovations
We offer sincere gratitude to the following individuals for their gifts in support of St. Margaret of York School’s Annual Fund Campaign. Donations directly offset the cost of renovating our third and fourth grade classrooms for the 2016-2017 academic year. We look forward to sharing photos of the six renewed classrooms that include new student furniture and resources, improved learning spaces and refreshed locker areas.
Your generosity is a blessing to the many children whose lives you touch.
Many thanks to Our 2015-2016 Donors
Every effort has been made to present a complete and accurate donor list. If you feel a mistake has been made, please contact Lisa Galvin-Sang at [email protected] so that we may correct any misprints. Thank you.
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Robert and Barbara Becker
Joseph Borchelt
Jeffrey and Kristin Braun
Gerald and Karen Budde
Joseph and Michelle Buehler
Thomas and Janet Fletcher
Douglas and Carol Fuller
Lisa Galvin-Sang
Christopher and Jennifer Gauche
Kathleen Grace
Dennis Heldman and Louise Campbell: in honor of Brian, Roger and Melanie Heldman
Jim and Teri Henderson
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Holland: in memory of Helen Andrews, great grandmother of Owen and Nate Holland
Kevin and Debbie Horton: in honor of Joe Bischoff
Mark and Leslie Kuhlman
Sara Kuhlman ’06
Edward and Regina Marek
Michael and Julie Matacia
Thomas and Michelle McCarthy
James and Ann McConnell
Jeffrey and Deborah McNaul: in honor of Cathy Messer
Karen Montoya
Philip and Colleen Muldoon
Ingrid and John Nesbit
Andrea Lillie (Backscheider) Neuwirth ’02
Megan (Hicks) Phelan ’00
Harold and Beth Pisciotta
George and Kelly Riechmann
Ted Schoettinger and Shelley Stanforth
Donald and Elizabeth Tassone: in honor of Connie Beede
Mark and Edith Vicario
Tim and Susan Viox
Jerome and Dianne Wedig: in memory of the Wedig and Epure Families
David and Lynne Whang: in honor of Emily, Lauren and Jenny
Robert and Tricia Winterman
Reaching Great Heights
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Contributions to the Annual Fund Made Classroom Renovations for Third and Fourth Grade Children Possible - THANK YOU
New classroom furniture, flooring, paint and work areas are part of the third and fourth grade renovation project.
Child-friendly lockers await installation in upgraded locker areas designed to improve student foot traffic.
Scholarships and Awards Announced at May 27, 2016 Graduation
Congratulations to these, and all Class of 2016 graduates, for their many achievements throughout the year.
Boosters Outstanding Christian Athlete Awards: Maria Dickert ’16, Bobby Jones ’16
Dominik Rotella Memorial Scholarships: Maddie Evans ’16, Nick Magaletta ’16
Grant Egbers Memorial Scholarship: Jack Konrad ’16
PTO Outstanding Christian Awards: Michelle Dickert ’16, Will Hawkins ’16
SMAC Running Club Scholarships: Evie Price ’16, Lydia McClure ’16, Jack Konrad ’16
Susan Manley Memorial MATHCOUNTS Scholarship Award: Evie Price ’16
Reaching Great Heights
School Receives 2016 Top Workplace Award
On June fifth, principal Kevin Vance was pleased to announce the Cincinnati Enquirer’s naming of St. Margaret of York School as a winner of one of the 100 Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Area 2016 Top Workplaces Awards!
In a communication to parents, Mr. Vance wrote:
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June 5, 2016
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am very happy to share with you that today The Cincinnati Enquirer named St. Margaret
of York School as a winner of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Area 2016
Top Workplaces Award!
Speaking for everyone here at St. Margaret, we are honored by this distinction. I want to
commend our entire faculty and staff for the work they do every day; being named a Top
Workplace exemplifies their dedication to our school’s mission. Our teachers and support
staff are a dynamic group and collaborate very effectively for the benefit of students and
families.
This is a great day for the St. Margaret of York community and we thank the parents,
Parish, alumni, alumni parents and everyone who has helped us create an educational
environment worthy of recognition. The complete 2016 Top Workplaces list is found in
today’s Sunday Enquirer. I have included our thank you announcement below.
We have much to be thankful for at St. Margaret of York School!
Thank you for entrusting your children to us.
In Christ’s Peace,
Kevin VancePrincipal
Silverhawks Soar Into The News
The following is a selection of news stories that appeared in print and online in The Enquirer, Cincinnati.com and other local media outlets. News stories can be found at www.smoyschool.org under the NEWS & EVENTS tab. We are privileged to share student and staff accomplishments with our surrounding communities!
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Officer Kyle Bibelhausen of the
City of Loveland Police Division K9
Unit visited each of St. Margaret
of York School’s three third grade
classrooms with Mack. Following
an active Q&A period, children were
invited to pet the working dog.
City of Loveland’s K9 Unit Brings Literature to Life at
St. Margaret of York School (Published 3/1/2016)
A recent visit from the City of Loveland Police Division and its K9 Unit
enhanced the learning experience of third grade students at
St. Margaret of York School. After completing a language arts
study of informational text that included the short story Aero
and Officer Mike, an interactive, hands-on presentation was organized.
Sergeant Kevin Corbett and Officer Kyle Bibelhausen spent several hours
in the Catholic school’s third grade classrooms. Canine handler Officer
Bibelhausen was accompanied by Mack. “Mack is a working dog, not a
pet. He is trained to chase bad guys and find drugs. He has to be serious.
He loves his job and loves to work,” Bibelhausen explained to students.
After describing how K9 dogs are trained and highlighting the canine
characteristics required for success, students observed the use of hand
signals and voice commands during several working demonstrations.
The US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and City of Loveland Police
Division tightly monitor all substances used for K9 training purposes.
A student question and answer period was followed by an opportunity
for children to pet the working animal.
St. Margaret of York School, located in Loveland, regularly expands
instruction by inviting outside professionals and educators to partner
with K-8 classroom teachers.
Technology Skills Prepare St. Margaret of York School Students for High School (Published 3/31/2016)
The faculty at St. Margaret of York School in Loveland continues to create engaging learning opportunities to prepare older students for the rigors of Cincinnati’s high schools. In addition to fostering leadership abilities, teachers strive to offer a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering and math.
Technology Coordinator David McDonough ensures that seventh graders have a comprehensive introduction to basic computer programming and a clear understanding of Excel. “The ability to record, manipulate and present data is an important technical skill,” reflects McDonough. “Being familiar with Excel allows students to present statistical and financial information in a format that displays data using graphs and charts.”
Identifying projects that require innovative and advanced technology skills sets the stage for interactive learning. “Under-standing not only basic programming, but practical applica-tions such as Excel, prepares students for higher level projects ahead,” states McDonough. The development of 21st Century Skills is one of the Catholic school’s distinct objectives.
St. Margaret offers an afterschool club that meets weekly to explore technology in a safe setting. Mr. McDonough works with this Tech Hawk group and encourages them to be self-directed and inventive.
As part of the technology program, seventh grade students at St. Margaret of York School enjoy participating in a broad introduction to basic computer programming. Developing proficiency using Excel is an additional part of the curriculum. Seated are Justin Rogers (Loveland) and Ellie Patterson (Loveland). Standing are Carson Seemann (Loveland), Corinne Lerma (Maineville), Breanne Grogan (Loveland) and Sarah Burke (Loveland).
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Silverhawks Soar Into The News
Silverhawks Soar Into The News
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St. Margaret of York School’s Gianpaolo Scheve
(Loveland), submitted a winning entry for
Cincinnati Museum Center’s LEGO® Design and
Build Superhero Challenge. Winner of the 10 - 14
year-old category, the fifth grader’s design was
displayed in the interactive gallery adjacent to
The Art of The Brick exhibit.
St. Margaret of York School Student’s Original
Design Displayed at Cincinnati Museum Center
(Published 4/30/2016)
Gianpaolo Scheve, a fifth grade student at St. Margaret of
York School, submitted a winning entry for Cincinnati Museum
Center’s LEGO® Design and Build Superhero Challenge. A
panel of judges selected Scheve’s original design, entered in
the 10 - 14 year-old category. Winning entries from four age
groups were displayed at the Museum Center’s interactive
gallery adjacent to The Art of The Brick exhibit through May
1. The Art of the Brick featured over 100 works of art, made
entirely of LEGO® bricks, by American artist Nathan Sawaya.
“Gianpaolo is very creative and St. Margaret of York has
helped to foster that creativity,” shares Paola Scheve. “Mrs.
Knoll, his art teacher, pushes him to take his art to the next
level. She has been behind him, trying to encourage that
creativity. Math and visual-spatial thinking are strengths,
and his early interest in drawing transferred to Legos.
We are letting him try a lot of things to see where it goes
in the future.”
Scheve has a Lego work station in his home, where he
modified an earlier design to create his winning entry that
included two skyscrapers, scenery and a Batman hologram.
A family friend suggested the boy participate in the unique
artistic challenge.
The fifth grader’s art teacher, Reggie Knoll, is not surprised by
his recent success. “Gianpaolo exceeds anything I’d ever expect
from someone his age. He pushes his artwork to the limit and
is an out-of-the-box thinker,” reflects Knoll. “Art is an important
part of the school’s curriculum and art competitions are a
perfect outlet for our students. Gianpaolo is an amazing
artist and it was evident from kindergarten.”
Grandparents Day a Favorite Tradition at St. Margaret of York School (Published 5/4/2016)
A first grade tradition for nearly a decade, Grandparents Day at St. Margaret of York School is a special opportunity for students and loved ones. The morning event includes attend-ing Mass, a visit to classrooms and refreshments shared with family and friends.
“The first graders love to share what they do at school with their grandparents. Grandparents get to see innovations in education and talk about what school was like when they were students. It gets the conversation going between the generations,” states Nancy Shula, Assistant Principal at St. Margaret. Children typically invite grandparents or adult family members.
April Rongo, this year’s parent coordinator, selected activities with specific goals in mind. “Grandparents are able to see where the kids go to school, interact with their friends and be part of a school environment that’s warm and inviting,” Rongo reflects. “We want them to feel invested in their grandchild’s education. It’s important that they bond with their grandchildren; Grandparents Day is a perfect opportunity.” St. Margaret of York School’s PTO sponsors a wide variety of family-oriented events throughout the year to promote friendship and community building.
Jerry and Susan Turney (Fairfield) enjoy class-room time with their grandson, Matthew Eberle (Maineville), during St. Margaret of York School’s Grandparents Day. Held each spring and sponsored by the PTO, the event is one of many family-friendly programs planned for children throughout the year. St. Margaret of York School is located in Loveland and serves 670 children.
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Silverhawks Soar Into The News
Group Engineering Challenge Promotes Collaboration at St. Margaret of York School (Published 5/31/2016)
St. Margaret of York School’s fifth and sixth grade children benefitted from an academic challenge that combines religion with engineering. The Spaghetti Tower Engineering Challenge calls for students to be organized into small community groups and receive building supplies consisting of dry spaghetti, marshmallows and gumdrops. The objective is to build the tallest, freestanding tower in 20 minutes. Participants are given a finite amount of collaborative planning, sketching and construction time.
Educator Jim Counts explains that the larger objective is for students to “demonstrate the importance of community, communication skills and group work. This activity compli-mented our school’s PeaceBuilders Pledge.” Counts is the fifth and sixth grade religion teacher at St. Margaret of York School in Loveland. Prior to the project, fifth and sixth graders studied the Tower of Bable bible story from the Book of Genesis. St. Margaret of York School instituted the PeaceBuilder’s Program three years ago. PeaceBuilders, designed for grades pre-K to 12, introduces specific principles and develops a common language for students to model and practice at school and home. These six tenets set behavioral expectations, promote peaceful conflict resolution, and increase cooperation, productivity and academic success.
“It was a high energy lesson and they worked in a focused and collaborative manner. The students provided feedback after the exercise and asked to construct another model. Pontiff comes from the word pontifex in Latin, which means bridge builder, so the students were tasked to create their own bridges in small groups,” explains Counts.
Creating a freestanding tower out of three building supplies, students at St. Margaret of York School participated in an engineering challenge that merged religion and engineering curricula. Pictured are (L to R) A. Hogan (Maineville), N. Krekeler (Loveland) and A. Lacey (Mason) who attend the Catholic school located in Loveland.
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Silverhawks Soar Into The News
Silverhawks Soar Into The News
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Kindergarten students (L to R) O. Wooten, B.
Boateng, L. Holbrook, B. Stephenson and D.
Schnitzler enjoy reading books while sitting in a
castle at St. Margaret of York School. The Catholic
school, located in Loveland, has celebrated Right
to Read Week since 2003.
St. Margaret of York School Enjoys Thirteen Years
of Right to Read Week (Published 5/31/2016)
St. Margaret of York School in Loveland celebrated its 13th
consecutive Right to Read Week in May. Promoted by the
Ohio Council of the International Reading Association for
nearly four decades, the weeklong program is intended to
foster a love of reading. It also emphasizes the connection
between daily reading and academic success.
“Right to Read Week is very exciting for many of the children.
Everyone participates and there are daily activities and
contests planned. It’s an opportunity to encourage reading
and talk about summer reading goals,” shares Beth Pisciotta,
kindergarten teacher and Right to Read Committee chairperson.
In keeping with the 2016 Dragon and Castles theme, the
committee created a unique structure where children could
sit and read. Throughout the week, Drop Everything and
Read periods were announced, which allow time for
unplanned, sustained silent reading. Creative resources were
organized for teachers wanting to integrate Right to Read
Week concepts into their reading and writing curriculum.
Plans included the announcement of summer accelerated
reader (AR) goals. Summer reading is a school-wide
expectation that maintains and improves the literacy skills
essential to all curriculum areas. St. Margaret of York School
students enjoy the benefits of many innovative learning
events throughout the academic year.
Admissions: Prospective Parent Meetings JOIN our St. Margaret of York School family
for the 2017-2018 academic year! Adults are invited to attend an upcoming Prospective Parent Meeting that
includes an overview, Q&A period and tour of our lively classrooms and wonderful facility. Admissions events begin at 9:00 a.m. in the St. Margaret of York Catholic Church Gathering Space.
Prospective Parent Meeting Dates Thursday, October 13, 2016 Thursday, November 10, 2016 Thursday, January 19, 2017 Thursday, February 2, 2017
Open registration for new, incoming families is February 1-15, 2017!
Louann McNamara, Admissions Manager, is happy to answer any questions and take your RSVP. Please contact Mrs. McNamara at 513.697.3122 or [email protected]. Additional information may be found at www.smoyschool.org under the ADMISSIONS tab.
Taking Flight is being mailed to every household for whom we have a current address. Alumni information can quickly be updated by visiting our website’s ALUMNI tab at www.smoyschool.org or emailing [email protected]. Thank you very much!
St. Margaret of York Catholic Church
9499 Columbia RoadLoveland, Ohio 45140
Non-Profit Org.US Postage
PAIDPermit NO. 4403Cincinnati, Ohio
