Dear Students, Parents, Alumni and Friends of the Mount, 

What  a great school year opening! We enjoyed a very healthy and robust increase in the number of incoming freshmen while at the same time completed a very successful Annual Fund in August. Indeed, the annual fund saw a strong increase in the participation rate of alums across all class years going back to the 1950's.

Together these activities are bold testimony to the strength and momentum we bring to the 85th year of education at the Mount. Indeed, building on our recently completed Strategic Planning process, we are poised to continue growing in many exciting venues this year. Let me give a few examples.

We have a newly created gifted and talented program which has selected freshman - "Champagnat Scholars" -studying AP European History and advanced placements in science and math courses.

On the technology front all students are connected to their teachers both in the classroom and at home. The use of "smartboards" is a regular experience for students who can download class notes and presentations at home for further study and review.

In addition, all students will now have access to a very powerful software program which will allow them to build their portfolio over the course of four years. The Naviance Program allows a freshmen to keep track of his various accomplishments so that by the time he is a senior his college essay and teacher recommendations will be over-flowing with hard data gathered over four years rather than depending upon faulty retrospective recollections!
 Keep Reading

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!! 

No matter the size, your gift to the Annual Fund enables the Mount to:

- Offer financial-aid

- Maintain its own school buses

- Provide state-of-the-art technology in our classrooms

- Maintain the school grounds

- Provide support for extracurricular activities

CLICK HERE TO DONATE  

May 2011: The First Class of the Zeke O'Connor High School in  Phaplu, Nepal. In rear from left to right: (lady with hat) Mrs. Nima McElhenny,  Director of TSEHF; Karen O'Connor, president of TSEHF; founder Zeke O'Connor '44.

William "Zeke" O'Connor '44 has been prolific in his many careers. As a Mount football player, he was recognized by coaches  and  classmates  alike  as "one of the finest all around athletes  to play for the Mount." He received a coveted Notre  Dame  scholarship  in 1944,  and had a distinguished professional  career with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. He then played  for the  Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. After his career in professional sports, Zeke claimed success  in  the world of business  as a public relations executive at Sears in Canada.

But  it was  a meeting and  subsequent friendship  with Sir Edmund Hillary that changed  the  course of  Zeke's life and the  lives of people  halfway  across the world.  Zeke's current work honors  the spirit of service that is a foundation of Marist values.  Here Zeke tells his story:

In 1973,  Sir Edmund invited me to visit Nepal with him to  see  his work  with the Sherpa people.  I flew into the land of   the  Sherpas-the  Solu  khumbu Area  of  the  Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. Sir Edmund asked  me to "Help the  Sherpas  to  help themselves in the areas of education, health care and the environment."  He  said  to  me  "Zeke we don't help to be appreciated but  it really feels good when we are ." Keep Reading

Gina Negrin

Mount teacher Gina Negrin is initiating a literary arts revival for enthusiastic Mount students this year by bringing back a college level Literary Arts class this year for Mount students with a penchant for journalism and creative writing. 

Students will use a textbook which will enable students to read and analyze writers that are studied in college literary courses such as Dove, Dunn, Oates,Frost, Angelou, Kincaid, Brooks, Olds, Hughes and many more.

There are two sections of 30 students each in Literary Arts. Negrin says that the students are thrilled abou their upcoming projects. A newsletter called "Mount Voices" will be created, as well as a revival of the literary magazine The Summit. In addition, students will create their very own children's novels with illustrations. A writing symposium will be held in the early spring.

 Two Mount Seniors, Justin Bodden and Christopher Delgado, have gotten a taste of journalism in the Bronx through an internship at the Norwood News, and tell the tale below! 

Justin Bodden '12

Justin Bodden:

 This summer I was fortunate enough to intern at the Norwood News, a non-profit publication located in the Norwood area of the Bronx. I was given the opportunity after completing a journalism class at Hostos Community College, taught by the editor Jordan Moss.  Going in to the internship, I was nervous but excited and ready to commit to journalism. The experience is one I would never forget.

 The internship gave me an opportunity not offered to many students, a chance to see what it's like to be a journalist, one that allows me to get involved and to make a difference in my community. 

The days of going out to neighborhoods to report or to do research involving an assignment will never be forgotten, nor will be the many hours I spent trying to figure out how to puzzle together intriguing leads. The internship better prepared me for my academics. Going into this school year I felt more confident, and I came out a stronger and more articulate writer, thanks to the great people at the Norwood News. The summer of 2011 was one that I will always remember, because this is when my professional journalism career started. Click Here to read Justin's stories for the Norwood News.

Chris Delgado:  

Chris Deldgado '12

The program is held at Hostos Community College, a short drive from where I live. When I first entered the classroom, two bright, cheery ladies enthusiastically greeted me. It was then that I realized how many people were taking the course; the room was almost full of nervous, high-strung students. Several kids from my school also applied and were accepted into the program. Once all of the prospective journalists arrived, we began our day.

To call the two hours we spent together a lesson would be like calling an amusement park a long wait in a doctor's office. Simply put, the "lesson" was exhilarating. The duo of teachers gave us games to do. These childish meet-and-greets were actually clever ways of uncovering the journalist in each of us.

All in all, I was enthralled by the two hours I spent during the first day of the Initiative. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who's interested in writing or to anyone who just wants to try something new.

The Mount's New Assistant Principal, Joseph Hummel

The Mount, with a big hurrah, welcomes Joseph Hummel as the new Assistant Principal!

Joseph has taught English since 1995 at the Mount and has run the Student Council for 6 years. He has a B.A., M.A. and M.S.Ed from Fordham University. 

Joseph hails from Long Island, where he attended Chaminade. His spark and energy powers up the partnership with Principal Bro. Steve Schlitte.

Joseph is very happy in his new role, and is inspired by the students to help the Mount continue as the strong institution it is. 

What Is The 2011-2012 Annual Fund Appeal?

Our Annual Fund contributes to bridging the gap between tuition   and   operating   expenses.   Annual giving  is the financial lifeline of any school.  Simply put, the annual fund is the best way possible for alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff and friends to help   make   a difference in the future of Mount St. Michael Academy. Your investment, on an annual basis, will help raise needed funds for programs, activities and other expenses that the school incurs.

Regardless of its size, your gift to the Annual Fund enables the Mount to:

- Offer need-based financial-aid

- Maintain its own school buses

- Provide state-of-the-art technology in our classrooms

- Maintain and improve classroom and student facilities

 Hear specifically how the Annual Fund is used to help Mount students!

Bro. Steve Schlitte, Mount St. Michael Academy Principal

Bro. Steve Schlitte: The Annual Fund has allowed us to expand our reach into new elective courses and to integrate technology into our instructional practices. For example, we are developing a Sports Medicine Program and have outfitted virtually all our classrooms with "smartboard" technology.

 Our new AP European History class makes use of a wide range of scholarships not otherwise available. Teachers are empowered to help students in school and at home - a great way to enhance student achievement school wide.

Gus Berger '12

Gus Berger '12:  I am a senior at the Mount. My family has struggled with the economy and with tuition. This year we received financial aid from the Mount. 

It has made a big difference for my family and me. I can study and not worry so much. I can concentrate on applying to college and my future. 

I am grateful to the generosity of the alumni. I will not forget this help. I look forward to helping a student in the future after I get a job.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!!!!

1961: Richard Paul: lives in Lakewood Ranch Florida. Richard is the president of Potomac Advisors, Inc.

1964: Robert Leiher: lives in Western, NJ and works in the
Insurance industry. Robert would like to hear from his 1964 classmates.

1964: Walt Johanson: lives in Yonkers, NY. Is a retired Navy Officer and is currently a Social Studies teacher in the Mount Vernon School system.

1965: Frank Belatti: currently an Adjunct professor at the university of Notre Dame and managing partner in Equicorp Partners, LLC.

1971: Bill Clarke: Is retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is now enjoying a second career teaching mathematics for a local community college. Bill lives in El Paso, Texas.

1973: Phil Donahue: lives in the Bronx, NY. Phil is an actor who has appeared in several feature films, and TV shows. Phil recently joined Astro Genesis Records as a Casting Director.

1979: Andrew Villafana: A grandfather of three. Andrew recently celebrated his 30th year working in the Casino industry in Atlantic City NJ.  

1982: Edward Brand: lives in Tuckahoe, NY. Ed has been working for the Federal Aviation Administration for 18 years as a registered professional engineer and a certified PMP in New York State. Ed is married and has two children. 

1984: Jeffrey Hynard: lives in Yonkers, NY. Jeff has just moved back to New York after living in Orlando Florida. 

1986: Scott Smith: lives in Scarsdale, NY. Scott has worked for the United Parcel Service since 1997, Scott is married and has one son. He would love to hear from former classmates.

1988: Thomas Reilly: lives on Mahopac, NY. Tom is a retired NYPD Detective currently working as a Senior Investigator for the Investigations Office of the Commissioner of Baseball.

1996: Mauricio Donalds: lives in la Mesa California. Mauricio is an interior communication electrician for the US Navy. Mauricio is married with two daughters.

2006: Michael Olave: is in the US Military serving in Fort Benning, Georgia.  

2011

Sunday October 23rd: Open House

Thursday October 27th:  Harvard Club

Friday November 18th:  Career Day

Saturday November 19th: Class of '86  25th Reunion

Thursday November 26th: Annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Bowl

2012

Thursday April 26th: Legends Dinner

May: Washington D.C. area Reunion

Friday June 1st: Class of '62  50th Reunion

June: MSM Annual Golf Outing

Gina is a Pelham native, has taught English at the Mount for 14 years. Her B.A. in English Education was earned at Manhattan College and she earned an M.S. in English Education at Iona College.

Since elementary school, Gina has loved to write. Says Negrin, "I love writing in a journal daily. I reflect on the many blessings in my life and sometimes I write about some obstacles as well. As a young person, I took journalism and communication classes and found my teachers and my studies inspirational.   I love writing today because of the superb teachers I had and vividly recall-Mr. John Orefice and Ms. Evelyn Gunn to name a few." Gina's favorite authors include Chris Cleave, Marge Piercy and Sharon Olds.

A final thought from Gina: "I am very grateful that Bro. Steve has brought back this course. I am hoping that my students will graduate with a fine appreciation of literature and excellent writing skills."

Director of Development

Mount St. Michael Academy