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Alumni Spotlight
8 Graduates from the Class of 2015 were inducted into Cardinal Newman's National Honor Society.
Congratulations Patrick Hopkins, Marjorie Burnside, Juliet Mikus, Hilary Malone,
Lyda Brown, Ashley Howard-Smith, Daniel Iscoe, and Stefan Bartl!
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Why A Catholic School?
Get to Know RA's Incoming Head of School: Contributed by Mr. Rubenacker
Many of my colleagues have asked me about my commitment to faith-based education, specifically that of a Catholic environment, in choosing the best fit for my family and for my career. While the answer is complex, I do believe that teaching is truly a ministry and that those who have the courage to teach as their profession have indeed found God's will for their path in life--understanding that to teach is to love thy fellow man and to serve as a steward for the future. As passionate as I am about that belief, I feel that there is something more to the answer, something "in the water" at a Catholic school such as Rosarian which aligns so well with my belief in what twenty-first century education should look like.
Recently, Friends Academy (my current school) began its involvement in the Caring Schools Initiative, sponsored by Richard Weissbourd and his team at Harvard University. In his article Promoting Moral Development in Schools (2012), Weissbourd writes:
"Polls indicate that about 70 percent of public school parents want schools to teach 'strict standards of right and wrong,' and 85 percent want schools to teach values....In response to this demand, a billion-dollar character education industry has cropped up in the last few decades, including myriad organizations marketing packaged character education programs to schools. Many of these programs are devoted to inculcating values such as self-discipline, responsibility for others, and honesty. Some of these initiatives are carefully considered, rigorous, and tuned in both to children's developmental experiences and to teachers' needs and capacities. But most of these undertakings appear to have little or no impact on children's moral lives."
Weissbourd's sentiment that packaged character development programs have no real lasting influence on children is something I've long felt to be the case. In order for children to be receptive to the spiritual nurturing and growth in character that we all want, we need to be in an environment that lives this belief. It needs to be part of its DNA as an institution, something that is at the core of everything it is.
Catholic schools prioritize these beliefs while challenging the intellect and growing the mind. As striking as it is, the 90 year mission of Rosarian Academy speaks more clearly to twenty-first century skill sets than most schools can ever fully realize. We are raising children with the moral and ethical compass that will define our planet for generations to come----living as a Christ-centered community of faith; serving others as an integral part of our community; making a positive difference in the world; fostering an awareness of the continual need for social change; respecting religious, ethical, cultural, and economic diversity. As Weissbourd would later write, "it is the foundation on which all else rests."
Mr. Rubenacker will be contributing monthly to our e-newsletters until the end of this school year. In the meantime, you can read his blog and find out about some of his work at the Friends Academy by clicking here.
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 Children's House Easter Chapel Celebration Stations of the Cross and Resurrection Eggs
On April 1st, the three Children's House classes celebrated Easter in the Rosary Chapel and were joined by Miss Coniglio's 5th grade religion class. The Early Childhood students presented an age-appropriate version of the Stations of the Cross utilizing pictures and a set of Resurrection Eggs that were created in the classrooms.
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Easter Fun Brought to Children of Opportunity, Inc and The Lord's Place
Students Serve Two Local Non-Profits
In the spirit of service to others and sharing the love and joy of Jesus in preparation for Easter, the eighth grade visited Opportunity, Inc. Early Learning Center on April 1st, and NJHS students visited The Lord's Place Family Campus on April 3rd. The Rosarian students had fun doing crafts, filling and dying Easter eggs, providing baskets, and setting up Easter egg hunts for the children at both of the local non-profit organizations which work with underprivileged children.
Click below to watch the Channel 25 news coverage of the Easter party for the homeless children of The Lord's Place.
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Understanding Our Florida History
Fourth Grade Spends Day at the Little Red Schoolhouse, Visits the Flagler Museum, and Participates in Florida Heritage Program
The fourth grade curriculum provides an introduction into the history of Florida. Students learn about the local history and culture of Florida with valuable experiences both in and out of the classrooms.
Mrs. Henry and Miss Murphy's classes visited the Little Red Schoolhouse where the students dressed from the late 1800's and spent the day in a one-room schoolhouse to experience the history of Florida life during that time period. The students also visited the Flagler Museum on Palm Beach to learn the significance of Henry Flagler to Florida. Lastly, Mrs. Amanda Skier, a representative from the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, came to Rosarian to teach the Florida Heritage Program, which includes art, architecture and history.
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Children's Book Author Presents to Lower School
Rhonda Gowler Greene Shares with Kindergarten through Fourth Grades
Rhonda Gowler Greene, author of over twenty children's books, spent the morning of April 8th on campus presenting to the Lower School and visiting classrooms. She shared how a book is made, from rough drafts to bound copy, how she gets ideas for her books, the importance of reading, and the importance of revising. Many of our Lower School students came away from her presentation with a renewed interest in writing.
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Cafe Tropicana Faculty & Staff Appreciation Luncheon
RAFA Gives Thanks to the Teachers and Staff of the School
The Rosarian Academy Family Association turned Schar Social Hall into Caf� Tropicana on April 9th for a special appreciation luncheon for the school's wonderful faculty and staff. They enjoyed a relaxing lunch filled with spirited music, special gifts, and words of appreciation from their students.
Thank you to RAFA for organizing the beautiful and delicious luncheon.
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24 New Honor Society Members Inducted
Scholarship, Leadership, Character, Service, Citizenship
Rosarian Academy hosted an awards ceremony and induction of new members into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) on April 10, 2015. During the assembly, 24 new students were inducted into NJHS based on their scholarship, leadership, character, service and citizenship. The inductees include eighth-graders: Christopher Curtis, Walker Mahoney, and Sean Neligan; and seventh grade students: Meredith Anderson, Lauren Bartl, Charlotte Breckenridge, Daisy Cook, Lily Cook, Laila Fahmy, Peter Fields, Isabella Gil, Liam Groth, Emma Guerrieri, Morgan Kennedy, Colin Kramer, Frances Melendez, Sebastian Merchan, Maggie Millar, Laura Narcisse, Mariana Perez-Vargas, Thomas Raymond, Bard Rockenbach, Victoria Skivington, and Seema Thakkar.
Rosarian NJHS members, led by moderator and teacher Patrick Hansen, participate in a number of community service activities throughout the year including: leading holiday-themed parties and activities for the disadvantaged children at The Lord's Place Family Campus; decorating cookies with the children at Opportunity Inc. Learning Center; reading books and playing games with the elderly residents of the Lourdes-Noreen McKeen Retirement Community; organizing a water station for the Race for the Cure; participating in the St. Jude's Walk; painting a home through the sponsorship of the Solid Waste Authority's Paint Your Heart Out; making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be distributed to vulnerable populations at St. Ann Place; joining beach clean-up efforts at local beaches; volunteering with the Special Olympics; gleaning crops with C.R.O.S. Ministries to benefit The Palm Beach County Food Bank.
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RA Community Gleans 8,000 Pounds of Food to Feed Local Hungry
Large-Scale Cucumber Glean
Approximately 70 members of the Rosarian Academy community participated in a large-scale gleaning effort to provide food for the less fortunate in Palm Beach County on Saturday, April 11. Pre-school through eighth grade students and families spent the morning picking an estimated 8,000 pounds of cucumbers that were delivered to the Palm Beach County Food bank and then distributed to about 120 local agencies and shelters that feed the hungry in our community.
According to C.R.O.S. Ministries volunteers, approximately 200,000 people wake up every morning in Palm Beach County and don't know if they will have food. "Facts such as this make the students and families feel great about the hard work of picking crops knowing that it is serving the beautiful purpose of feeding people in our very own community who may not otherwise eat," said Patrick Hansen, Middle School teacher at Rosarian Academy who coordinated the gleaning event for the school for the third year in a row.
Gleaning is so important because an estimated 52 million pounds of produce on farms are wasted every year. C.R.O.S. Ministries, the event organizer, works with local farmers to allow volunteers to glean, or pick, the crops that are left after the harvest which are perfectly edible but do not meet supermarket standards. Through this meaningful community service project, the students experience the power of making a positive difference in the lives of the needy in our community.
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A Tastefully Successful Evening for Rosarian Families
The Taste of Rosarian
About 70 Rosarian Academy parents gathered at the home of Rosarian parent and alumna, Danielle Hickox Moore, to enjoy the fourth annual "Taste of Rosarian" on Saturday, April 11th. Offering an unparalleled tasting menu, the evening featured savory bites and sips from Rosarian families' and friends' restaurants.
This delicious evening was sponsored by:
Food Sponsors
Amici Market - Maurizo & Mia Ciminella
The Bee - Gabrielle Coniglio
The Hamptons Catering Company - Linda Matyas
Independent Seafoods - Joseph & Jennifer Michael Molina
Joshua Catering - The Lord's Place
Ken Keffer Catering
Sandy James Catering
Wholesome Tummies Cafe - John & Cheryl Barry
Dessert Sponsors
Nick & Johnnie's - Frank & Gail Coniglio
Patrick Leze - Palm Beach & Paneterie - Thierry & Stasi Beaud
Beverage Sponsors
Rooney's Beer Company - Joe & Kelly Rooney
Marcello's La Sirena - Marcello & Diane Fiorentino
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First Grade Walking Field Trip to Florida History Museum
Visit to the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum
The First Graders went on a walking field trip to the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum on April 14th. Each class walked and toured the museum with parent volunteers. Guides took the students through informative tours, covering everything from Native Americans and ancient artifacts, to pioneers and local heroes, outlaws, nature, and information about how the county has expanded since the days when ancient Indians lived here. The field trip tied in with the first grade Social Studies units on Birth of a Nation and Frontier Explorers.
The children loved walking to the History Museum through modern West Palm Beach and then stepping back into time as they learned about the history of Florida.
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Rosarian Community Supports SleepOut
Show Choir Sings and Diffenderfer Family Honored
Rosarian students, parents, and teachers took out their lawn chairs and unrolled their sleeping bags in support of The Lord's Place SleepOut 2015 on April 17th. The Rosarian Academy Show Choir sang during the program of the event--moving over 500 people to a standing ovation. In addition, Rosarian's very own Diffenderfer family--Michelle, Bob, Hope, and Lily--were the honorary SleepOut family for their dedication to helping break the cycle of homelessness in Palm Beach County.
For over thirty years, The Lord's Place has been at the forefront of providing solutions for the most vulnerable men, women, and children in Palm Beach County.
Thank you to everyone who supported SleepOut and contributed to the $7,605 raised by the Rosarian Academy team in support of helping The Lord's Place provide supportive house, job training, development and placement to the homeless.
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Mac Murphy Wins Catholic Schools Math Competition
Highest Score at 17th Annual Joyce Putnam Diocesan Math Competition
Eighth-grader MacCrea Murphy swept first place among all students in his grade-level category and had the highest score overall at the 17th Annual Joyce Putnam Diocesan Math Competition on Tuesday, April 21. Ten middle schools from the Diocese of Palm Beach competed in the Catholic schools math tournament, including two sixth-, two seventh-, and two eighth-grade students from each school. All participants took three timed tests with a total of 140 questions. Each student's scores of the tests were combined and the three highest scorers in each grade level won trophies. Mac finished with an overall score of 114/140.
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Erin Yavinsky Honored as April Student of the Month
8th Grader Honored by Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach
Rosarian Academy eighth grade student, Erin Yavinsky, was honored as Rosarian's April Kiwanis Club Student of the Month on April 21st at the Chesterfield Hotel.
Erin was recognized by the Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach for her excellence, character and leadership potential. She was accompanied by her parents and history teacher, Ms. Kathy Moormann, at the luncheon.
In the speech given at the luncheon, Erin expressed gratitude for having the privilege to attend Rosarian for nine years. She has learned to use her gifts to her potential and feels that Rosarian has prepared her for the tough curriculum that lies ahead in high school. Erin is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, participates in Math Counts, plays on Rosarian's volleyball, basketball, and tennis teams, and is an altar server at the school's monthly masses. Erin will attend Oxbridge Academy for high school.
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Earth Day Every Day
Student-to-Student Teaching and Learning to Help the Environment
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970. Since then, Earth Day has spread all over the world, and 5th and 6th grade students have taken the ideals of Earth Day to heart. They explored environmental concepts and applied these concepts by designing and building models to show their commitment to help the environment.
In celebration of Earth Day, the fifth and sixth grade students presented their environmentally-friendly projects to Children's House and Lower School students throughout the day on April 22nd. Projects ranged from creating hydro-powered cars, using plastic water bottles and chlorine to make light, saving the sea turtles, to the benefits of using a 3D printer and more.
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La Comida at La Bamba
The Sixth Grade Extends Spanish Class to Mexican/Spanish Restaurant
During the third quarter, the sixth grade studied a unit on food, restaurants, and the supermercado. The students learned how to order, set the table, and go food shopping and then practiced what they learned in class at La Bamba Mexican & Spanish Restaurant on April 22nd. At the restaurant, students spoke only in Spanish.
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Shrek Is Ogre-the-Top
Middle School Performance of Shrek The Musical Jr.
Rosarian Academy's performance of Shrek The Musical Jr. was ogre-the-top. The family-friendly musical comedy followed the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who set off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. It turned out that in order to ultimately succeed, Shrek had to battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others. Filled with adventure, romance and hilarity, the audience quickly believed that love is not something that only happens in fairytales and that Pinoccio's nose can grow.
Shrek's cast of 43 third through eighth graders was anchored by eighth-grade students Jake Kaywell (Shrek) and Ella Schrotenboer (Wicked Witch), sixth-graders Sailor Kate Ashley (Donkey) and Skyler White (Pinocchio) and fifth-grader Grace Trainor (Princess Fiona). The musical was produced and directed by Robert Sherman, with musical direction by Gay Dedo and choreography by Jeanne Bennet and Francesca Coniglio.
The show featured professional costumes, staging, acting, and singing that drew a packed house in Rosarian's 485-person theater on both April 25th and 26th.
Click here to visit Rosarian Academy's YouTube channel and watch some of the scenes from the musical. >>>
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Children's House Student Leads St. Mary's March for Babies
Lachlan Thrrop Serves as Team Captain for March of Dimes Mach for Babies
Rosarian teachers, students and parents participated in the March of Dimes March for Babies on April 25th in support of Children's House student Lachlan Throop. The March for Babies celebrates babies, like Lachlan, who made it home from intensive care when born prematurely. After being born at 30 weeks gestation and weighing 3.5 lbs, Lachlan received amazing care from St. Mary's Medical Center NICU. Thanks to the research funded through March of Dimes and the care of the nurses, doctors, and support staff of St. Mary's, Lachlan is a thriving four-year-old today. In an effort to save future babies' lives, Lachlan agreed to be the team captain for the St. Mary's Medical Center NICU team.
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Students Jump Their Way to Healthy Hearts with Rope Warrior
April 28, 2015 Jump Rope for Heart Event
Guinness World Record Holder David Fisher, AKA The Rope Warrior, has jumped his way into books, TV shows, countless live shows and a series of energetic music albums and his own instructional books. His jump rope tricks, stunts, extraordinary speed and record-breaking jumps have been seen on over 100 national television programs, including The Today Show, Good Morning America, The NBC Nightly News, Sports Center and CNN. The Rope Warrior is now the Rock and Rope Warrior, teaching kids and adults everywhere to get in shape while having fun, and he spent Tuesday, April 28, 2015, on Rosarian Academy's campus in conjunction with the school's Jump Rope for Heart event which raises money for the American Heart Association.
Mr. Fisher performed in front of the school at a morning assembly. Then throughout the school day, kindergarten through fourth grade classes jumped with The Rope Warrior in PE classes and jumped their way to having healthy hearts.
Students raised over $9,000 in support of the American Heart Association and fighting our nation's #1 and #5 killers--heart disease and stroke. Through the Jump Rope for Heart event, students learned about the benefits of regular physical activity and heart health as well as the value of giving back to those in need.
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Eighth Grade Tours Our Nation's Capital
Three Days Visiting the Washington, DC Area
As an extension of the eighth grade classroom study of American democracy and the U.S. Constitution, forty-five students and five chaperones took a three-day tour of our nation's capital April 29-May 1. In preparation for this visit, students researched, created and presented digital documentaries on the D.C. monuments and memorials.
Class work came alive moments after the enthusiastic group landed in Washington, D.C. and started their extensive guided three-day tour including: Arlington National Cemetery, the Marine Corps War Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial, FDR Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.
During the second day on tour, students explored the estate and gardens of George Washington's home at Mt. Vernon, including the Georgian mansion, museum and education center. They learned the details of Lincoln's assassination during their visit to Ford's Theatre and Petersen House, viewed our nation's "living" documents at the National Archives, and experienced the Legends of Alexandria Ghost Tour.
Students also visited Capitol Hill and met with Congressman Tom Rooney. They toured the U.S. Capitol and Visitor Center with special gallery passes compliments of Congressman Rooney. A walk along Capitol Hill took them to the U.S. Supreme Court and inside the Library of Congress. Following a photo stop at the White House, students spent considerable time at the Smithsonian Museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of National History, and the National Museum of American History. Meal stops at Union Station, the Pentagon Mall, and Nandos added to the cultural experience.
In addition to learning firsthand about our nation's history and capital, these soon-to-be Rosarian Academy graduates bonded as a class for the last time and have memories that will last a lifetime.
Thank you to Ms. Kathy Moormann for all of her hard work in preparing the students and for organizing this educational field tip!
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Annual Fund Is Glowing Success
Ready>Set>GLOW Annual Fund Raises Over $148,000
 The 2015 Annual Fund was a glowing success. Rosarian Parents, grandparents, alumni, alumni parents, friends, faculty and staff raised over $148,000--almost doubling its goal of $75,000 and making it the most successful Annual Fund on record. A special thank you to faculty, staff, the Board of Directors, and the Development Committee for 100% participation.
55 members of the Annual Fund's leadership group--the Principal's Council--enjoyed an appreciation dinner at Marcello's La Sirena on April 19th. We extend our utmost appreciation to Marcello & Diane Fiorentino for hosting such a delicious wine dinner at their magnificent restaurant. Each year the Annual Fund runs for 60 days. Its importance is beyond measure, as fundraising efforts make up over 10% of Rosarian's operating budget each year. Excess funds raised are used for scholarships or to help pay for unforeseen changes and transitions. Thank you for your continued support and generosity. |
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Caribbean Nights - Paradise Found at Rosarian Academy
Save the Date: November 21, 2015 at The Breakers
Save the date of November 21st for a tropical evening filled with Caribbean flair as the 2015 Auction Chairs, Marian Macias and Adrianne Sanchez, host the 37th Annual Auction & Ball at The Breakers, Palm Beach. For more information on the upcoming Auction & Ball and all of the exciting events leading up to the big night, please click here.
Help fill the auction with awesome items by downloading the donation form and solicitation letter and asking your favorite places for a donation. Items can be dropped off now to the front office.
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Save the Date: Rosarian Academy is Turning 90
90th Anniversary Celebration, 09.12.15
Rosarian Academy celebrates its 90th Anniversary this September! Save the date of September 12th for a celebration honoring Rosarian's rich history and including the induction of our new Head of School, Mr. Stephen Rubenacker.
Click here for more information. >>>
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Summer Camp Registration Now Open
Weekly Sessions June 8th - August 14th
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This Month's Featured Auction Sponsors
Thank You to the Following Businesses and Families
Carol Dixon, CFP on behalf of
  
Manuel V. Mendez, MD | Conroy Family | Wagner & Rehm Families |
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