Facing History, Finding Themselves

New program encourages students to take responsibility, starting now 

Adolf Hitler was not on Facebook. The white students of Little Rock Central High did not utilize FormSpring to ask negative questions about the nine African American students who enrolled in their racially segregated school in 1957. Bus driver James Blake did not take a Tweet-pic of Rosa Parks at the front of the bus. However, despite the fact that these historical bullies did not have access to modern vehicles of communication, there is no arguing that their messages of hate and harmful beliefs were not easily erased through time. In fact, the messages they sent by their actions are what have defined them through history. Perhaps it is not the manner in which we send messages that is important, but rather the intent behind those messages we send? 

The very manner of bullying at school has evolved. Confrontations in the school yard have progressed into complex exchanges on rapidly advancing social networks, a fact which is causing great concern to the many parents who find themselves a step behind the technological curve. However, hope is in sight at Ursuline Academy, as faculty members work to integrate a new program which will help students to recognize that spreading even small messages of hate can result in much bigger problems.

“Facing History and Ourselves,” is an educational program which encourages students to explore the “consequences of hatred…to recognize bigotry and indifference…and see that their own daily choices can have major impacts and perhaps even be a critical link to a safer future.” (ref). Through the interactive study of historical dilemmas like the Holocaust, Segregation and Genocide, students are presented with true facts about their history and are encouraged to discuss the small yet critical activities that sparked horrific incidents in their world.

“They want the kids to understand how it happened,” says long-time Ursuline Religion teacher Ellen Lytle, who is excited to integrate the lessons into her curriculum. “It will give the girls a great background into pre–World War II Germany, and will focus on events leading up to the Nazi Occupation,” she says. “Most importantly, there is an emphasis on how so few people helped those in need during that time…basically we need to know our past because we don’t ever want that to happen again.”

To learn methods of program implementation, teachers attend seminars which provide the information and tools necessary to design a solid lesson plan. With help from a program liaison and free access to a library of historical references, videos, and even multi-media resources, Ursuline teachers feel prepared to inspire and inform students. “We are currently looking for ways to integrate the program…to see where it would work best, and how many ways we can introduce the new concepts,” says Mrs. Lytle, who attended an “amazing” seminar during summer break.

There is a plan to gradually introduce aspects of the program into Religion and History classes at Ursuline. However, it seems that some teachers are anxious to get a head start. Mrs. Morency already implemented strategies similar to those encouraged by the program in her own class, by conducting a case study of sorts which prompted students to identify with how a bully might feel during a confrontation. “Some had trouble relating to the bully at first,” she said, “but ultimately many realized that at one time or another, they were the bully.”

"We hope to book a speaker at some point...one of Oscar Schindler's worker's who spent time in Auschwitz...she has an amazing story," says Lytle. According to her and other faculty members, the "Facing History" interactive program is a perfect response to the issue of bullying at school, as it simultaneously introduces students to conflicts they may face in the real world.

UA Social Studies teacher Colleen Peters perhaps says it best: "It is one thing for the students to hear this stuff in a lecture, it is another for them to see it."

Counting Their Chickens

Math challenge keeps students from 'flying the coop'

They say "Don't count your chickens..." However, Mrs. Mary Anderson has found that encouraging her 7th, 8th and 9th grade students to add up their chickens is actually a perfect way to motivate them in math class.

While in her first year at Ursuline fourteen years ago, Mrs. Anderson recognized that many of her young pupils were not showing great enthusiasm in class, as math facts and figures can often be intimidating for young minds. "I had a particular ninth grade class at the time who I felt were unmotivated by the material," she said, "I asked them for ideas of ways to get them excited about learning number facts...they asked to do something fun!"

Mrs. Anderson quickly realized that incorporating a friendly challenge during class might offer the students an opportunity to see their progress beyond her grade book. "One student told me about an elementary school game called 'Chickens,' so we designed a grid and gave everyone a velcro chicken. If the student answers a math equation or word problem correctly, they move their chicken along the grid." These days, if a student answers enough questions correctly and gets her initials to the last square, she is awarded a "Chicken," which relates to one extra quiz point.

"Kids love games, and many will turn just about any activity into a contest, or in other words, something to get good at," educational writer Richard Rusczyk says on his "Art of Problem Solving" blog. "Math contests thus inspire them to become good at mathematics just like sports encourage physical fitness. Eventually, students put aside the games. By then, hopefully an interest in the underlying activity has developed."

While some researches argue that competition in the classroom causes undue stress, Mrs. Anderson has designed her chicken game to accommodate all learning styles. "I try to see that everyone gets one by the end of the year...every student in every class has enjoyed it so far," she says, smiling. She believes that the proof of the game's success is not reflected on the students' report cards, but rather in the excitement they feel when they win their first chicken.

"The game helps you to try harder in class, and then you end up doing better on the tests," says seventh grader Jenny Weston, as she points to her initials on the board. "The competition part is fun, because when you see that someone else is about win, you try even harder to do your best."

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That's a wrap!

Michaela Chipman (Gr.8) and I headed to Kiss 108 to record a spot for Ursuline Academy's upcoming Open House on October 24. As you can see, we were excited to meet DJ Romeo, who is a favorite on Kiss. Click here to listen to the spot!

All for one, fun for all: Mission Day at UA

With candy apples in their hands, tiny umbrellas in their smoothies and treats in their pockets, the students of Ursuline Academy had the spirit of Serviam in their hearts at the school’s annual Mission Day on October 5.

Typical classrooms transformed into colorful and thematic booths, each featuring donated items which were purchased by students, parents and friends of the school. “While we raised money for a good cause, we had a lot of fun,” said seventh grader Ashley Haughton, who most enjoyed when her teacher, Mr. Jaworski, was taken to the faux “Jail.” Some of the more popular rooms this year include The Beary Best Bakery, Fenway Park (featuring 2 Red Sox Championship rings, and franks of course), the Top Hat Raffle and the tropical Smoothie Room. 

While students enjoyed spending their allowance on Mission Day treats, they did so knowing that their contributions were ultimately going to a worthy cause. My Brother’s Keeper, a local Christian charity that provides food and furniture to needy families throughout the year, was the grateful recipient of this year’s collection. At a beautiful opening Mass celebration, the community received a heartfelt "thank you" from Mr. Erich Miller, Executive Director of My Brother's Keeper: "We believe service is a privilege, not a duty or an obligation so we work hard to share that privilege with as many people as possible…please know how grateful and humbled we are that you’ve chosen to support My Brother’s Keeper today.”

To further emphasize the theme of the day, students also heard from Junior Emily Sullivan, who spoke of her summer service work in West Virginia. "If anyone is interested, talk to me," she encouraged, and provided information to her peers about the ways they can get involved in a similar mission trip. 

"The generosity of parents, the generosity of time, and the will of the students is what make this event possible each year," says UA Campus Minister Marge Costa, who has overseen the charitable fair for the past thirty years. The event, which is now a fond tradition for community members, often draws local alumnae back to reminisce of Mission Days past. "I brought my boys a couple years ago. They had a blast and it was nice to see staff and all the changes to UA," graduate Katie Tower Verrette wrote on Ursuline's Facebook page. 

According to Sister Nesta, who worked feverishly in the cash room, Ursuline raised approximately $14,800 for charity at this year's event. "The day was super-fantastic," says Mrs. Tomase, who ran the Beary Best Bakery. "There was a wonderful spirit this year, and the kids had a great time."

Click here to see photos!

"My sincere thanks and appreciation for your generosity, kindness, contributions and participation that helped to make Mission Day a great success. We could not have done this without YOU.  Due to your generosity,you have helped Ursuline touch many people's lives through the Ursuline Missions throughout the world and the needs of poor and homeless people at My Brother's Keeper.  I am very grateful and appreciative for all you did. May God bless you abundantly for all you do!!!" Marge Costa, Campus Minister

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Our 7th Graders and their families gathered for a Potluck Supper on October 6. While their parents met with teachers, students played games in the Tea Room. Click here for some fun candid photos!

Ursuline Hearts Unite to Fight Cancer

A crowd of roughly 40,000 migrated to Boston's Hatch Shell last Sunday to support the American Cancer Society's annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Amid the crowd of 'pretty in pink' supporters, Team Ursuline Academy took the 2 mile stroll along the Charles as a sea of green, sporting school colors to demonstrate community enthusiasm as advocates of the cause.

In addition to the nearly 200 students, teachers, parents and siblings representing UA on the Esplanade, those generous contributors who supported the school's effort by making online donations were also considered members of the "Green Team." Numerous parents, friends and alumnae added to the pot, which tipped over $22,300 on the morning of the walk.

"Wonderful," Jeanie Zmijewski Taddeo wrote in response to a post on the UA Alumnae Facebook page. "I am a 1989 alumna who was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer when I was 15 weeks pregnant with my twin daughters! I am a 2 1/2 year survivor now!" Numerous other alumnae demonstrated support by "liking" similar posts about Ursuline's participation.

Last year, Ursuline followed quickly in the footsteps of partner school Catholic Memorial and took the Making Strides High School Challenge. With just two months to raise awareness among community members, students successfully netted just over $5,700. As winners of the "small school" category, Ursuline was recognized from high atop the Hatch Shell on Sunday. "It is our honor to receive this award," said Student Body President Jillian Lawler of West Roxbury, who accepted the plaque on behalf of her peers. "As young women, we feel that it is important for us to make a difference in our community."

Though the walk has come to an end, Ursuline students are already anticipating ways to further improve community participation next year. "What was so heartwarming and encouraging was how our students really embraced this project and embraced each other, " said Principal Mary Jo Keaney, who strolled with the community. "They really care to make a difference in the lives of others, and I try to learn from them every day."

To date, Team Ursuline Academy has raised $23,410.00. Thank you to those of you who have supported our effort this year. We are proud to have made strides against breast cancer.

Click here to see photos from the event!