Carolyn Vignola Zogby '69 

MS/US Principal

January 29, 2016 
  

Upcoming
Events

Monday 2/1 
F Day
Catholic Schools Week
Music Genre Day

Tuesday 2/2
G Day
America Day

Wednesday 2/3
A Day
Salad Dressing Day

Thursday 2/4
B Day
Generation Day

Friday 2/5
C Day
Color Wars

Saturday 2/6 
ACT's

Wednesday 2/10  
F Day
Ash Wednesday Liturgy
FORMAL UNIFORM REQUIRED

Thursday  2/11

G Day
Dress Down For Charity

Friday 2/12
Faculty In-Service Day
No School for Students

Monday 2/15
No School
President's Day



  
 
  
 
 
  
  
Links
"The most direct path that leads us to God is undoubtedly that of the works of mercy."   
          St. Angela Merici






Dear Parents, Students, and Friends,

This week our girls, faculty, and staff celebrated the Feast of St. Angela Merici with a beautiful community-wide Liturgy and the presentation of St. Angela awards for outstanding service. This special day continued with fun activities such as the 8th grade play, talent show, and senior skits.

St. Angela was born in Desencano near Lake Garda in Italy. She was the daughter of a farmer who  encouraged her to pray. At a young age, Angela suffered the deaths of her parents and sister. Angela's Company of St. Ursula was the first group of women to work outside of a cloister, and the first teaching order of women. Angela spent her life serving God.

Ursuline is founded on the teachings of St. Angela Merici. Our commitment is educational excellence through our rigorous academic curriculum, focus on student leadership, and our commitment to Serviam.  

Prayer:

"Saint Angela, you were not afraid of change. You did not let stereotypes keep you from serving. Help us to overcome our fear of change in order to follow God's call and allow others to follow theirs."
 
 
May God bless you and your families. 



 
 Follow Mrs. Zogby on twitter@PrincipalZogby.  
  St. Angela, watch over all our days.


Report cards are now available on NetClassroom.

 


SAINT ANGELA AWARDS

Ursuline Educational Services is a nationwide Ursuline network that which recognizes students for outstanding service and truly trying to follow in the footsteps of Saint Angela.  This year we recognize four students:

Our first student is senior, Caroline Morris



Caroline has volunteered as a camp counselor for St. Mary's Vacation Bible School as as a student teacher for the Parish Religious Education Program.  Twice a year, she also helps collect items for the less fortunate in her community.  Before the Thanksgiving holiday, her parish collects meals for families who cannot afford to purchase a Thanksgiving dinner. During the Christmas season, she collects Christmas gifts and meals for over 150 families in need. 
Click here to read more about Caroline.

Our next student is a junior, Shayla Bartoli



Shayla has been very active with Art Therapy Express, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the arts accessible to children and adults with mild to severe disabilities.  Click here to read more about Shayla.

Our next student is junior, Kayla Larmore



Kayla volunteered at Reins of Life, which is a nonprofit therapeutic riding organization in Landenberg, Pennsylvania; as well as being a UA Student Ambassador, and a Global Intern with Mrs. Neill.  Kayla also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity for a week in Cambridge, Maryland with other UA students building, demolishing, and salvaging homes.  Click here to read more about Kayla. 

Our fourth student is sophmore Kelsey Olmstead. 

 

Kelsey volunteered at Grace Episcopal Church with their Vacation Bible School.  She welcomed and organized children with science projects, art, music, storytelling, plays, and meals.  She also helped with organizing and running the Arc party for adults with developmental disabilities for the last two years.  Click here to read more about Kelsey.     
  
Curriculum Updates

As we enjoy 2016, we want to keep our families informed of some best practices in education and different strategies that are being used in our classrooms.

Many of our teachers incorporate some Inquiry Learning when teaching new material. The Inquiry Method is a student-centered technique. Students read about, watch a video, or research a new concept which they have yet to be directly taught, attempt to solve a problem, outline the material, answer questions from knowledge they read/researched, and then bring the information to class. During class, the teacher uses higher level questioning techniques and direct instruction to help students apply the new concept. Inquiry Learning involves group work, various research methods, and critical thinking. Inquiry Learning increases student's ability to process information and problem solving skills (http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/).

Assessments or tests, are often a source of anxiety for our girls. As we look into various methods to increase our student's success and to challenge our girls, we use various methods such as open-ended, short answer, essay questions, and as well as lab reports, portfolios, presentations, and multiple-choice tests. All of these methods increase student's critical thinking, reinforce applying information learned in class, and build various testing strategies. Your daughters will experience many forms of testing in various classes which is necessary for success on the SAT, ACT, and at the collegiate level after Ursuline.

Along with academics, we also have a new program called U IMPACT. A devoted group of students are working to ensure that all students her at UA are treated with kindness, respect, and have positive interactions daily. It is important to us that we continue to build a supportive community here at UA.



U Impact Kindness Campaign
Communication Arts 2015-16

The Communications Arts class is composed of juniors and seniors, and, as the upperclassmen of UA, they felt it was their duty to lead by example.   Some of the students are "big sisters" and had heard that the hallways and lunchroom could be a place where some girls didn't always feel like they fit in. The class decided to do something about this and instead of focusing on negative behavior, they flipped it into a campaign all about the positive-and looked for ways to encourage more kindness.
 
Part of the Comm. Arts class includes teamwork. During the concept stage of the campaign, the class within their "agency" and brainstormed ways to engage their fellow classmates in this endeavor to be kinder.
 
After each agency reported back with their ideas, the entire class chose the best aspects of each of the three proposals in order to create one overall campaign. The name "U Impact" was agreed upon as a group, and we began our implementation stage.  
 
Serendipitously, just as the class was compiling research and looking for quantifiable data about the given problem, the school had conducted a Harvard survey that related to school culture. The findings of this survey were then used by the class as they devised a creative and engaging kindness campaign.
 
The overall goal of the U Impact campaign is to support all students (MS and US) and to encourage more kindness in four ways:
1)      acknowledging students' feelings and showing empathy; (comm arts created a PowerPoint and a video and presented to the student body)
2)      t-shirts were designed and sold for awareness of U Impact;
3)      providing a calendar of kindness events
4)      mixing the student body into groups that are composed of different grades in order to build new relationships.
 
Stay tuned for continued U Impact activities.
 
  
MOST HAPPENING SCHOO0L

 
TAKE A MINUTE AND CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR URSULINE ACADEMY, ALSO KNOWN AS THE MOST HAPPENING SCHOOL!  LET'S SHOW THE STATE OUR SCHOOL SPIRIT! I KNOW WE CAN REACH 100%!
 
  
 St. Ursula, protect our future.    
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday, February 1:  Music Genre Day
Freshman - Disco
Sophomore - Country
Juniors - Rock & Heavy Metal
Seniors - Hip Hop/Rap

Tuesday, February 2:  America Day

Wednesday, February 3:  Salad Dressing Day
Freshman - Italian
Sophomore - Ceasar
Juniors - Ranch
Seniors - Thousand Island

Thursday, February 4:  Generation Day
Freshman - Baby
Sophomore - Preteen
Juniors - Middle Aged
Seniors - Seniors

Friday, February 5:  Color Wars
Freshman - Gray
Sophomore - White
Juniors - Red
Seniors - Black

  
ALUMNAE SPEAKER SERIES



Erin Houston, Class of 2005


Attention students interested in Journalism, Communications, Global/International Relations, Non-profit, Entrepreneurship, or even textiles and fashion!  Join us at our February Alumnae Luncheon Speaker Series to meet Erin Houston, '05, on Thursday, February 4 in Room 1 from 11:15-12pm. 
 
Erin graduated from the College of William and Mary with a dual degree in English and Government. She holds a Masters in Social Enterprise from American University School of International Services.  Erin holds the position as Director of Partnerships for Devex, a media platform for international development in Washington, DC.  She's responsible for creating new opportunities for international non-profits, donor institutions such as USAID and the UN, and large corporations invested in corporate social responsibility to engage with the broader international development community through communications and online initiatives.  Erin also has a passion for social enterprise and is launching a new business this year in ethical fashion.
 
Students may purchase or bring brown bag lunches for this casual Q&A during lunch period.
 
Kindly email Mrs. Arat at [email protected] if you plan to attend!

  
  
FINE ARTS

SALESIANUM WINTER SHOW
"WE ARE CALLED"

SALESIANUM SCHOOL IS PRESENTING THEIR WINTER PLAY THIS WEEKEND - Show times are: Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at  8:00pm, and Sunday at 2:00pm.

"We Are Called", a self-scripted, student created dramatic piece opens this Friday evening at 8PM at Salesianum. Jaqcuelyn Kepley, collaborative writer, designer and stage manager says, "This is a brilliant project that everybody needs to see." Julia Grumbine, Maryam Pasdar, and Avery Laur play various pivotal roles in this production. The whole show is in the round, creating a very intimate performance that will surely engage the audience members. You don't want to miss this experience. See "raw" theater and be awakened to the art of drama.


COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR URSULINE GIRLS:  
Avery Laur (not shown), Julia Grumbine (left), Jacqueline Kepley(middle), and Maryam Pasdar (right).  

  
If you attend the play, bring your ticket stub to school on Monday Feb 1st and receive a FREE dress down day.
Thank you and good luck Ladies!!

 
SPRING MUSICAL AT SALESIANUM!


Auditions for Salesianum's Spring Musical will take place this upcoming Monday and Tuesday at Salesianum. This year's production under the musical direction of Mr. Louden will be "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying." Follow this link for sign-up information and times or see Mr. Louden.

ONE ACT FESTIVAL



One Acts are coming! Any student interested in participating in the annual one act festival, please come to an information session next Thursday, February 4th at 2:50 in the band room. Any questions? Contact Mr. Louden.

FEATURED ARTIST
Maeve Russo



Malicious
wash-off technique
Studio Art 2016

  
SENIOR SKITS


Thank you so much for making us laugh so hard on Saint Angela Day.  The afternoon was so enjoyable watching all the talent at Ursuline Academy with  the talent show, the 8th grade play, and senior skits.
  
COUNSELING CENTER

College Acceptances  
 
Congratulations to Maddy Taylor who has been admitted to the Honors College at Washington and Jefferson College.
 
Congratulations to Caroline Morris who has been admitted to the Honors Program at the University of Delaware and awarded  a Trustee Scholarship valued at $12,000 over four years of study.
 
Congratulations to Midori Lofton who has been admitted to Rowan University and awarded the Rowan Scholars Program Scholarship valued at $44,000 over four years of study.
 
  
  
ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
Did someone say SPRING?



SAVE THE DATE
for
DESIGNER BAG BINGO
Saturday, March 12, 2016
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
(Adults Only)
Ursuline Auditorium
Join the Ursuline Community this spring for 12 rounds of Designer Bag Bingo
hosted by UA Advancement benefitting the Annual Fund.
Each round, participants will have the chance to win a brand-new accessory or bag from designers like Coach, BCBG, Vera Bradley, and many more.
Registration forms and additional details for the event will be available next week.
For more information, or to help us ensure this event is a success,
please contact Risha Gordon, Annual Fund Manager, at [email protected].


  
Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge



The annual Special Olympics Polar Bear Plunge at Rehoboth Beach, on February 7, 2016, is the largest fundraiser for Delaware Special Olympics. For the past two years, the UA Frosty Raiders raised the most money per capita of any "Cool School" in Delaware. We are very proud of this accomplishment and would love to exceed last year's goal this year, but we need your support.
 
Join our team and take the plunge, or donate to the Ursuline Academy's Team "Frosty Raiders" by clicking on this link.  https://www.firstgiving.com/team/308921.
 
Donations, no matter how large or small, may be made to an individual team member or to the UA team as a whole. Please consider making a donation today to support Delaware Special Olympics Delaware.
 
To find out more about the weekend Plunge events, click here http://www.plungede.org/.
 
All the DE Special Olympians and the UA Frosty Raiders thank you!

  
20th Annual Golf Outing Committee

Volunteers Wanted!
 
Attention parents: Do you have a love or interest in golf or tennis?  If so, please consider joining our 20th Annual Golf Outing Committee.
This is a great way to meet other parents and get involved in one of the largest school fundraisers.  There are many new and exciting opportunities this year. 
We have selected a new location for our outing which will take place on Monday, May 23, 2016 at the DuPont Country Club. 
We are also interested in adding a tennis component.  There is a silent auction committee as well. 
Anyone with an interest or experience in golf or tennis is welcome to join the committee.  To learn more, please contact Joanna Arat at [email protected] or (302) 658-7158 x6257.
 
  
THE ARTS HALL OF FAME   
Now Accepting Nominations
 
Ursuline Academy is honoring its rich history in the performing and visual arts by hosting its Inaugural Arts Hall of Fame.  The nomination process in now open.  Please contribute to the success of the event by nominating an alumnae, educator, or director/instructor that has excelled in his/her field.  The criteria and forms are available by clicking  here.  Any questions can be directed to [email protected].
 

  
EARN $$$ FOR YOUR CREATIVITY!


The Global Education and Fine Arts Departments have combined to offer students the opportunity to earn money while helping to create a legacy for our school.  We are looking for a student (or group of students) to write a closing song for our Global Education activities.  The winner of the contest will earn $150.  Check out more information here.

  
YEARBOOK
Attention Senior Parents

There is still time to create a custom designed yearbook ad for your daughter. Simply Log onto www.balfour.com, type in Ursuline Academy-Wilmington, DE (Upper School), and click on Yearbook. You will then select Yearbook Ad , choose the size you want, and follow the steps to create your personalized ad! 
Please email [email protected] for help or questions.
Space is limited; create your ad today!



YEARBOOK SALE
 
Yearbooks are for sale! The yearbook staff has been hard at work capturing and captioning the must-see moments at UA!
Don't miss a chance to preserve your memories of the 2015-2016 year.
It is important to order a copy as supplies are limited.
There is a direct link to order a yearbook on the Edline Upper School page.
 
  
 
ATHLETICS
 
Follow us @UARaiders!

The US Spring Sports Parent's Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 16th at 6:30pm.  At least one parent must attend if your daughter plans to participate in golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis or track and field during the spring season.  This is a great opportunity to meet the Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer and Coaches.
 
All DIAA physicals must be turned in to the school nurse or the Athletic Director if your daughter plans on trying out for a spring sport.
 
Basketball: The basketball team will take on St. Mark's tonight at St. Mark's.  JV will start at 6pm and Varsity will follow.  Tomorrow, the varsity team will travel to Spring-Ford HS (PA) to take on Archbishop Wood. 
 
Indoor Track: The indoor track team will compete in their final competition today at Tower Hill.  The meet will start at 4:30. Best of luck to all of our runners as they try to qualify for states!
 
Swimming: Congratulations to the swim team for defeating Tower Hill yesterday 136-31.  The swim team has another meet tomorrow, Saturday at St. Andrew's School at 1:00pm. 
 
 
  
RAIDER CLOSET
 
  NEW HOURS

The Raider Closet will have new hours for the spring semester.  Starting Monday, January 25th, the Raider Closet will be open:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00am-9:00am
Friday: 2:00pm-3:15pm
and 
during home basketball games and special events.


Have a wonderful weekend!   

Ursuline Academy is an independent Catholic school community that empowers students for leadership and service in our global society.