Rosarian Academy E- News
Volume 3: Issue 10May 1 - June 4, 2015

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Rosarian Academy, founded in 1925, is a private, coeducational, Catholic school sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Its mission is to educate the whole person for life in a global community in the light of Gospel values. 

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IN THIS ISSUE
Alumni Spotlight
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2015


Our 51 newest Rosarian alumni will be attending the following high schools in the fall:


 

American Heritage High School:

Antonia Herrera

MacCrea Murphy

Maya St-Hilaire

Andrew Torres-Blanco

 

The Benjamin School:

Sydney Dyett

Isabelle Goldstein

 

The Bolles School (Jacksonville, FL):

Diana Lewis

 

Cardinal Newman High School:

Joseph Arrigo

Michael Brams

Dante Cooper, Jr.

Christopher Curtis

Georgia Forconi

Nicole Giordano

Tomasso Keogh

Madeleine Landers

Hannah Lewis

Richard "Trey" LePore

Gabriella Melendez-Rodriguez

Charles Mordente

Amanda Morales

Brian Quinlan

Ella Schrotenboer

Noah Wingate

 

Dreyfoos High School of the Arts:

Jake Kaywell - Communications Program

Leyla Said - Digital Media

 

Florida Atlantic University High School:

Emily Boyle

 

Foxcroft School (Middleburg, VA):

Sarah Elhilow

 

Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches:

Michael Hines

Walker Mahoney

Harper Murphy

Sean Neligan

Rose Ashley Osborne

Ryan Monroe

Erik Parry

Emma Quattlebaum

Erin Yavinsky

 

Pope John Paul II:

Katherine Driscoll

 

Saint Andrew's School:

Caroline Fulton

William Keen

Colin Riley

Samir Thakkar

 

Suncoast High School:

Preslie Brown - International Baccalaureate

Casey DeWoody - International Baccalaureate

Hailey Hersey - International Baccalaureate

Gina Landrum - Computer Science

Nicholas Nunez - Computer Science

Menab Said - Computer Science

Toby Vega Dadurian - International Baccalaureate

 

Woodberry Forrest School (Woodberry Forrest, VA):

Joseph Rouijel

 

Undecided:

Alice Maxey

Taylor Whigham

 


 


Thank You Linda Linsin for 14 Years of Service to RA
Happy Retirement

Since 2001, Mrs. Linsin has served our community as a third grade teacher and an administrator. Her passion for education and Rosarian Academy is evident in all that she does. From her time spent in the classroom to welcoming students each morning in carline, Mrs. Linsin always greets students with utmost enthusiasm and adoration. She is known for the way she captivates her audience while reading stories and her ability to give praise and build confidence. Retirement will now give Mrs. Linsin the opportunity to spend more time with her children and grandchildren and carry on her passions through volunteer work that involves reading to children and the elderly. She will be greatly missed!


How long have you been at Rosarian? What roles/positions have you had at the school?

I came to RA in 2001 from Greenacres Elementary School where I was a fifth-grade teacher. Prior to Greenacres, I spent seven years at St. Frances of Assisi in Riviera Beach teaching fourth grade.

 

I was a third-grade teacher at RA for seven years before being named the Director of Lower School under the leadership of Sr. Corinne Sanders,OP. I was blessed to have Sr. Pat Caulfield, OP as a mentor before she stepped down from the position due to failing health. She and I worked closely together her last year as an active director; so, I feel that I learned from the best. I also attended Barry University and received my Master's in Educational Leadership which greatly enhanced my ability to step into the directorship.

 

During the course of my tenure at RA, I have served on different committees: Technology Committee, Financial Assistance Committee, SACS Accreditation, Strategic Planning, and Curriculum Planning.

 

It has been my pleasure to work on the Christmas pageants, Grandparents' Day events, May Crowning Mass, After-School Activities/Programs, Show Choir events, Halloween Parade, Spring Music Concert, Career Day, and individual classroom projects.

 

 

What are you most proud of in terms of your accomplishments here?

Communication! I believe in collaboration, in listening to and sharing ideas. It has been an honor to work with amazing teachers who have great skills and gifts to offer the students and one another.  An open relationship of dialogue with staff has afforded rich exchanges and enhancements in and out of the classrooms. We have developed an honest respect for one another and our collaborative efforts have allowed us to move students forward academically and socially with confidence. Behind parents, teachers know their students best. I used my skills to support their efforts. 

 
In addition, in 2004, I received the Deaver Award for excellence in teaching.

 

What is your fondest memory of the school?

Wow, just one? This school community has given me amazing opportunities for professional growth as well as deep friendships. It isn't the events that give me my memories, but rather the random acts of kindness and interpersonal exchanges I have witnessed. This community has a very unique culture of caring, nurturing, and respect. I have not seen that in any other working environment.

 

What will you miss most about Rosarian?

Without hesitation, I will miss the interaction with the children. I am amazed every day by the spirit, wit, compassion, and brilliance of the students whom I have been blessed to serve. The best moments of each day are the times I am able to visit, exchange ideas, and listen to students' stories, opinions, and thoughts. Once a child who was slightly naughty was sent to my office for a "talk with the principal."After discussing his misdeed, I asked him to just sit and think about how he might have reacted differently. In not more than five minutes, I looked over from where I was working on my computer to see his little head nestled on the chair arm, and he was sound asleep. I covered him with my sweater, and he slept until his concerned teacher came to check on him. I will miss my time with the children.

 

What do you plan to do in your retirement?

I look forward to a looser schedule, walks on the beach, kayaking, friends, and most importantly, spending time with my children and three granddaughters.

 

Any final words you wish to share with the Rosarian community?  

The children will understand this statement: Last licks, last sips, last bites! That was the way in which I encouraged the students to finish their lunches and prepare for dismissal. I think it is a fitting analogy for my final days at this great institution. It is time for my last lick, sip, and bite. However, for Rosarian Academy, after 90 years, there will be many more days of Christ-centered academic excellence to come. My prayers are for continued blessings to carry many more students through this rich environment.

Alles Gute to the Edmonson Family
Thank You to Mrs. Edmonson for Two Years of Service to Rosarian Academy

How long have you been at Rosarian? What classes have you taught?
I have been at Rosarian Academy for two years.  I have taught Math 7, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I Honors, and Geometry Honors.

What is your fondest memory of the school?
My fondest memories here at Rosarian include working with great students, faculty, and families and being able to work while my own children were here learning. I was pretty excited when my very own pink team won field day. I loved the fact that I could pray with my classes before we began our work each day. I loved being able to participate in so many service opportunities that Rosarian offers, and, of course, I really enjoyed wearing my mathlete shirt with my fellow mathletes.

What will you miss most about Rosarian?
I will miss the friends I have made and the community that welcomed me with open arms. I will miss all of my students. I will miss that I had the incredible opportunity to work at the same amazing school that my children also had the opportunity to attend.

Where are you and your family moving? Why?
My family has an opportunity to live in Wiesbaden, Germany for three years.  My husband works with the Army Corps of Engineers and will be a part of the construction team in Wiesbaden. My husband and I lived in Germany when he was in the military, and we are excited to take our children back to experience a new culture and language and to travel to exciting places throughout Europe.

Any final words you wish to share with the Rosarian Community?
Thank you very much, Rosarian Academy, for giving my family the opportunity to be a part of this truly unique and special community. There is no other place I can think of that could have done as much as Rosarian has done for our family. We are truly grateful!
Looking Towards the 2015-16 School Year
Contributed by Incoming Head of School, Mr. Rubenacker

 

As you can imagine, the last six months have flown by. My family and I are eager to finally begin this next chapter in our lives. We are thankful for the relationships we have already begun to establish at RA and appreciate the community of faculty, staff and parents welcoming us with open arms.

 
Looking towards the future,  I am confident we will continue to strengthen the Rosarian tradition of an excellent program based on faith, strong academics, and outstanding arts and athletics. I look forward to supporting a school culture where students are celebrated as individuals, understood as learners, and exposed to a wide variety of experiences in the midst of finding their passions and developing a broader understanding of their role in the world. It remains my belief that faith-based schools hold a distinct advantage in terms of the development of the whole person, something that is clearly aligned with twenty-first century instruction and pedagogy. That being said, Rosarian Academy is poised for a bright future, and I look forward to continuing its path of developing our school into one of the finest preK-8 schools in the country. Here's to a terrific summer and another great 90 years!  
Rosarian Graduates 51 Students

Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

 

Rosarian Academy graduated another 51 young men and women from its eighth grade class on Thursday, May 28, 2015, in the school theater. Class of 2001 alumnus, Jonathan Modica, addressed the Class of 2015 as the commencement speaker. It was a beautiful graduation ceremony, honoring the graduates for their hard work and achievements.

 

Jonathan encouraged the eighth grade graduates to not only do things that they find valuable but to also take chances, "Take chances because you don't know what you may love." After graduating from Rosarian, Jonathan attended Martin County High School then Connecticut College where he received his B.A. in Human Development. He also received his A.M. in Urban Education Policy from Brown University.  Currently, Jonathan is the Founder and CEO of Nutmeg Education, Inc., which develops software for K-12 schools to help both teachers and students pursue better educational practices in preparing for state standards and state testing.

 

Following the commencement address, parent Liz Yavinsky was recognized with the Rose and Torch Award for her countless hours of time, energy, and service given to the school. As part of school tradition, the graduating class raises funds for a class gift to the school. On behalf of the Class of 2015, Student Council President Preslie Brown presented the class gift of $1,200 to establish a fund for the service and support of those in need in our school community, "As we have learned how to be servants of Christ through the good works that we have been able to do while students at Rosarian, we want to continue to give our support to those who may need some help in order to participate in events such as the annual eighth grade class trip to Washington, D.C." Preslie challenged all future eighth grade classes to perpetuate this gift so that all graduates of Rosarian are able to enjoy such experiences.

 

Special awards given to students included the President's Award for Educational Excellence, presented to Caroline Fulton for earning the highest academic achievement in the eighth grade class; the President's Award for Educational Achievement, given to Rose Ashley Osborne for making an outstanding effort to learn and improve in academic subjects; the St. Dominic Award, presented to Madeleine Landers for demonstrating a strong belief in God, the pursuit of truth in all forms, and the Christian values of kindness, respect and integrity; and the Rowdy Award, honoring Hailey Hersey and Gina Landrum for three years of outstanding dedication and participation in school athletics. Outstanding achievement in subject area awards went to: Religion, Erin Yavinsky; English, Will Keen; Literature, Madeleine Landers; Science and History, Toby Vega-Dadurian; Geometry, MacCrea Murphy; Algebra I Honors, Sarah Elhilow; Pre-Algebra, Maya St-Hilaire; Spanish, Hailey Hersey; Art, Tommy Keogh; Drama, Jake Kaywell; Physical Education, Emma Quattlebaum.

Saint Andrew's and American Heritage Award Scholarships to Rosarian Students
Four Eighth-Grade Students Receive Scholarships to Local High Schools 

 

This year, Saint Andrew's School initiated a Distinguished Scholar merit award program and offered the scholarship to three Rosarian students--Caroline Fulton, Will Keen and Colin Riley. "You and your faculty should know that these three stood out from among a very competitive and highly talented pool of scholars," said Peter Kravchuk, Director of Financial Aid / Co-Director of Middle and Upper School Admission at Saint Andrew's School.

American Heritage awarded their Merit Scholarships to Caroine Fulton and Mac Murphy.

Caroline Fulton, Will Keen and Colin Riley will attend Saint Andrew's, and Mac Murphy will attend American Heritage in the fall. Congratulations to these four outstanding scholars!
Erin Yavinsky Honored as 2014-15 Student of the Year
8th Grader Honored by Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach

    

Eighth-grade student Erin Yavinsky was honored as the school's 2014-2015 Kiwanis Club Student of the Year. Continuing its tradition of honoring excellence, character, and leadership potential, The Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach recognizes Students of the Month from local schools at a monthly luncheon. Selected students are honored with a check and a certificate. At the end of the year, one student from each attending school is chosen as the Student of the Year.

 

As a Student of the Year honoree, Erin delivered a speech at the May 5th Kiwanis Club of Palm Beach luncheon where she thanked her math teacher, Mrs. Mary Edmonson, and her parents who accompanied her to the luncheon at the Chesterfield Hotel, "Thank you Mrs. Edmonson for showing me the importance of learning and for teaching me to try my hardest in everything I do...Thank you to my parents for teaching me to be loving and caring."

 

Erin will attend Oxbridge Academy next year where she plans to continue to follow her positive path of faith and virtue throughout her high school years.

Rosarian Students Take Two of Three Places in Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation National Essay Contest
Rose Ashley Osborne Places First, Izzy B Goldstein Places Third

 

For extra credit in Mrs. Hoffman's English class, seventth- and eighth- grade students had the option to participate in the Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Annual Essay Contest for Middle School Students. Writing on the topic, "Imagine that you could give advice to someone--it could be someone you know personally, a historical figure, or a famous person living today," eighth graders Rose Ashley Osborne and Izzy B Goldstein took two of the three places in this national essay contest. Rose Ashley received FIrst Place and a Nextbook Tablet. Izzy B placed third and was given a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.

 

The Dr. Barbara Seniors Harkins Foundation helps underprivileged children and motivates them to pursue education beyond high school.

 

Click here to view the winning essays >>>

Running Club Participates in Track Meets
Students Compete Against Other Schools and to Beat Their Personal Times

 

As part of the new after-school Running Club implemented this school year by Miss Katherine Murphy, Rosarian Academy competed in three track meets recently held at Cardinal Newman High School.  Other runners were from All Saints School and St. Ann's School.  The events included the 100 m, 200 m, 400 m, 800 m, 1600 m, and long jump.  These meets were an awesome opportunity for Rosarian runners to gain track experience while competing against their personal bests as well as against other middle schoolers. 

  

The following students participated in at least one meet this Spring: Charlotte Breckenridge, Wilder Breckenridge, John Carlson, Davis Dickinson, Zachary German, and Max Sanderson.
The 4-1-1 on Golf
Golf Team Swings a Strong Finish

 

Rosarian's golf team, coached by Ms. Cathy Reader, finished its last four games of the season with a tie against Palm Beach Day Academy and three wins against The King's Academy, St. Marks Episcopal School, and All Saints Catholic School. The team ended the season with a 4-1-1 record.

The players included Remi Beaud, Wilder Breckenridge, Christopher Curtis, Davis Dickinson, Antonia Herrera, Manuela Herrera, Gina Landrum, Frances Melendez, Sofia Mendez, and Charlie Mordente.

At the end of year honors assembly, the following players were recognized: Most Valuable Player--Wilder Breckenridge and Manuela Herrera; Sportsmanship--Remi Beaud; Most Improved Player--Frances Melendez.
Student Council Results
Officers Elected for 2015-16

 

With running mates determined, election posters strategically placed around campus, and speeches prepared, the Student Council Officer candidates spent a few minutes each persuading the Middle School student body why they deserved to be elected on May 26th. After listening intently to the speeches for President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, the fifth, sixth and seventh graders cast their votes. 

Congratulations to the following students voted to lead and represent Rosarian Academy for the 2015-2016 school year as Student Council Officers:

  

President / Vice President:  Thomas Raymond / Lily Cook (rising 8th graders)

Secretary: Charlotte Breckenridge (rising 8th grader)

Treasurer: Addison Linck (rising 7th grader)

 

The offices of President and Vice President were open to rising eighth grade students only. Secretary and Treasurer were open independently to rising seventh and eighth grade students. Student Council classroom representative elections will be held the beginning of next school year.

 

Sixth Grade Travels to St. Augustine
Class Two-Day Field Trip

 

The sixth grade spent two days of their last week of school touring St. Augustine, the oldest continually occupied European settlement in continental North America. A few of the trip highlights included visiting Castillo de San Marco, the coquina fort built by the Spanish in 1672; getting fingerprinted at the oldest jail built by Henry Flagler in 1891; drinking from the Fountain of Youth where Ponce de Leon came ashore to claim Florida for Spain in 1513; riding a tram through the city; and watching a blacksmith make nails and wrought iron items at a Colonial Spanish Quarter. The students also visited Ripley's Believe It or Not and the Colonial Spanish Quarter where they watched the blacksmith forge metal and climbed to the lookout spot where soldiers would keep watch for pirates.

 

Middle School Academic Achievers Recognized for the 2014-15 School Year
Final Awards Assembly Held the Last Day of School

 

Rosarian Academy hosted an awards ceremony on the last day of school, June 4, 2015, to recognize those middle school students who had exceptional academic achievements throughout the school year. 


Devyn Dyett, a current sixth grader, was honored as the recipient of the Chatham Hall Science Camp Scholarship, given by Chatham Hall, an all-girls' boarding and day school located in Chatham, Va. The $500 scholarship to attend Chatham Hall's Summer Investigators Science Camp is presented to a rising seventh grade girl who is in good academic standing, exhibits a love and understanding of science, and enjoys asking questions about the world around her.

 

Seventh-grade students Meredith Anderson, Charlotte Breckenridge, and Thomas Raymond achieved Highest Academic Honors for earning all "A"s in both the third and fourth quarters, all "A"s on final exams, and "E"s (exemplary) in all co-curricular subjects.

 

Outstanding Achievement in All Subject Areas was presented to Maggie Acosta (fifth grade), Devyn Dyett (sixth grade), and Meredith Anderson (seventh grade) for having the highest academic average for all four quarters.

 

Five seventh-grade students--Meredith Anderson, Milo Keogh, Thomas Raymond, Jack Throop, and Grayson Zwickel--were previously recognized as Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP) Scholars and qualified for state recognition and/or a summer studies program. These students earned a qualifying score on the SAT or on the English, Math, Reading, Science and/or composite sections of the ACT-placing them in the top 30% of the national talent search pool.

 

Accelerated Reader awards were given to fifth-through-seventh-grade students who have read over one million words since the start of the school year. The following students were recognized: +1,000,000 words-Madison Fabbri (fifth grade), Joseph Coates (fifth grade), Marlowe Flom (sixth grade), Seema Thakkar (seventh grade); +5,000,000 words-Blair Haft (fifth grade).

 

Rosarian also recognized the middle school students who achieved Honor Roll (receiving no less than a "B" in all academic subjects) and outstanding achievement and most improved in Religion, English, Literature, Social Studies, Math, Science, Spanish, Computer, Drama, Art, and Physical Education.

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

 

Take advantage of the special priced rooms at The Breakers in the Rosaria room block. Call 1-888-Breakers (273-2537) or visit:

 
https://resweb.passkey.com/go/ROSAC15

 

Save the Date: Rosarian Academy is Turning 90
90th Anniversary Celebration, September 12, 2015

 

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. >>>

Summer Camp Registration Still Open
Weekly Sessions June 8th - August 14th