PMA Friends and Family,
October is nearly over, Fall sports are almost done. From Cross Country and Girls' Volleyball to Girls' and Boys' Soccer, PMA Panthers in every gym, court, and field have made us proud. The Annual Open House for prospective students was on Sunday, October 18 and the turnout was spectacular! On the 19th, the Freshmen had their retreat and returned to school invigorated and smiling. So many things have happened in two
months; we have highlighted a few in this issue of ePathways. We hope you enjoy!
|
Open House was held on Sunday, October 18. Thank you to all of the students, parents,
faculty, staff, and members of the board of trustees who volunteered their time to help with this event. Without you this day would not have been possible. Students and their families,
including nearly a dozen alumni, joined us to tour the campus. They earned about our curriculum, the sports and arts programs, and extra curricular activities. They truly saw what a PMA education can offer.
If you could not make the Open House, but would still like to see the school or
would like more admissions information you can visit our website at
www.pmamethuen.org
or email Jane Danahy Foss, '97, Director of Admissions at
[email protected]
.
|
On Wednesday, October 7, the PMA Panthers held their 7th Annual "Pink Out" - a volleyball
game dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research. The team dressed in black and
pink uniforms and asked everyone who came to the game to dress in pink.
The team charged a small admission fee, sold food and had a 50/50 raffle to raise
funds during the game.
On Friday, October 9, PMA held a school-wide pink dress down day to add to the funds
already raised. But they didn't stop
there.... On Tuesday, October 13, the volleyball team held a second Pink Out game to raise more funds for this cause. Between both "Pink Out" volleyball games and the dress down day, PMA was able to raise almost $900.
The money will be donated to support Breast Cancer research and also to the Anne
Shields Memorial Scholarship Fund. Anne Shields was a teacher at PMA for many years
who lost her battle with cancer eight years ago. The "Pink Out" helped the volleyball
team pay tribute to her memory and honor those who battle this disease every day.
PMA Panthers are proud to "think pink" and encourage everyone to "Pink Out" in support
of breast cancer research.
|
|
On Thursday, October 1, students gathered together in a crowded PMA library for
our annual Open Mic Night. This Music Council driven event gives students a chance
to express their creative side through music, poetry and song; it is an aspect of the students
we don't often get to see until an event like this.
Some students overcame shyness and stage fright to perform, while others charged
to the front of the audience without hesitation or fear. Each act allowed the
audience to see the raw talent of our student body.
Students, parents and teachers alike cheered from their seats, amazed and impressed
with the composure, courage, and skill that each performer exhibited. For everyone
who shared their talents with us, thank you for an inspiring evening.
|
| Playing with Food for Science |
The one time that you are encouraged to play with your food is for the good of science!
Mrs. MacGregor's Honors Biology class performed the Food as Fuel lab to measure how
much energy is given off by three different organic macromolecules: carbohydrates, which
were found in marshmallows; protein, represented in a peanut; and a fat that
was in a cheese ball. The students designed their own calorimeters and by measuring
changes in water temperature and weight of food after they set each item on fire (with adult supervision, of course), they then could determine the kilocalories per mass of each food sample. The purpose of this lab is for students to take what they are learning about proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in class, perform some creative lab work, and together they are able to see first hand which of the foods they eat give them the most energy.
The students certainly looked like they enjoyed themselves with this hands-on approach
to learning. Or it could just be they liked playing with their food. Either way, the smell of a burning peanut will always remind them of PMA
and Mrs. MacGregor's Honors Biology.
|
| The Art Mural is finished! |
As reported in the September Issue of ePathways, the music room mural was a work
in progress. Since August, the students have been working hard to give the music room a more homey feel by painting a mural on the wall. We are happy to report...the mural is finally finished!
The mural is four measures of music, in the form of a grade staff, of the song "Home" recorded by Philip Phillips. It's from the chorus, "I'm gonna make this place your
home." Good job, guys. We are glad you are comfortable enough refer to PMA as home.
|
| Shakira Henriquez: Student Athlete. Student Inspiration |
|
|
|
P
hoto Credit: Ryan Hutton (Eagle Tribune)
|
PMA Sophomore Shakira Henriquez is a true asset to the cross country team. Last
year, after a lot of training and hard work, she was the team's number three runner--
which is great for a freshman. But she wasn't satisfied with that. Shakira trained
hard over the summer, running six days a week. She began the current cross country season as PMA's top runner--unbelievable for a sophomore. She had two goals in mind: "to be known at PMA and to get known in the Eagle-Tribune." Well, congratulations, Shakira, because you achieved your goals. PMA knew who you were the moment you walked in the doors, and on October 12, Shakira was featured in the Sports section of the Eagle-Tribune.
Click the link below to read the her story.
Overcoming the pain On Cross Country
Dave Dyer Eagle-Tribune - October 12, 2015
|
|
|
|
PMA summit attendees with motivational speaker, Al Duncan
|
Massachusetts native and basketball star Chris Herran has a powerful story to tell.
The former Boston Celtic struggled with drug and alcohol addiction through most
of his career. After hitting rock bottom, Herran became sober in 2008 and has been clean
for seven years. Since then he continues to educate others on the dangers of addiction and challenges them to stand up to substance abuse.
PMA students Ronnie St. Peter, John Morris, Anthony Bilecki, and Abraham Collazzo
had the privilege of hearing Herran's emotional story first hand at the Attorney
Jonathan W. Blodgett's 3rd Annual Youth Summit held on Friday, September 25, at
the Peabody Marriot. They were chosen to attend because they all exemplify leadership qualities at PMA.
Herran shared his personal journey with students from 20 high schools in Essex
County. He told of his struggles and the personal demons he battled since high school and, consequently, through most of his adult life. He pleaded with the students to aid in making their school an atmosphere where the kids who don't drink
or do drugs are well-respected, as well as one where bullying is not tolerated.
It could save not only their lives but the life of a classmate.
Herran was joined by youth advocate Al Duncan who challenged the attendees to
be agents of positive change. He spoke about how important it is to lead by example
in their school and in their own families. Not only do friends and classmates look up to you, he advised, but so do younger siblings.
The attendees were all given a pair of sunglasses with the words "Make Good Decisions"
inscribed on them, serving as a reminder to think before you act. Good advice in today's untamed and unpredictable world.
You can read more about Chris Herran's story and Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett's 3rd Annual Youth Summit in the following
Salem News Article
|
PMA English Teacher Mrs. Zygmont loves her family, her dog Flower, proper grammar, teaching her students (and sometimes staff) how to use proper grammar, advising NHS, and she avidly enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Mrs. Zygmont is a teacher who is always involved with her students. You can count on her to be an active member of the school community and she encourages students to be active participants as well. She has co-run Ski Club and has helped with recruitment for sports teams, including this year's girls' soccer. Recently, she spearheaded her own event and took eighteen PMA students hiking.
It took three vans, four chaperons, including a recent alumna Shanene Pierce, '11, and careful strategic planning to pull this event together, but when Mrs. Zygmont wants to do something, she makes it happen.
On Saturday, October 3, a sunny yet crisp fall afternoon, Mrs. Zygmont, eighteen eager PMA students, her co-chaperones, and her dog Flower hiked the Welch-Dickey Mountain Loop trail in Thornton, NH. This popular hiking trail stretches 4.5 miles over two mountains, and offers wonderful panoramic views of New England. "It was a bit challenging at times," said Mrs. Zygmont; "there were some steep sections and uphill climbing, but we all made it."
It took four hours for this sundry group to complete this hike, but they enjoyed every minute of it.
|
|
|
Mrs. Zygmont accompanied by PMA students and co-chaperones after a long hike
|
|
| Freshman Retreat Quick Pics |
|
|
Sister Sue with her class
|
Careful...the camera will sneak up on you!
|
|
|
|
Freshmen enjoying the fall weather
|
|
|
|
|
We just love being outside!
|
Members of Student Council
|
|
|
|
|
|
Freshmen and Sophomores playing the wind pipes
|
|
|
Thank you for taking the time to keep up to date with our PMA news and happenings. We hope you enjoyed this edition of ePathways. Please watch for our next edition of ePathways.
Rose Maria DiFiore Redman '85
Head of School
|
|
|
Yankee Candle Fundraising Drive
PMA grossed $11,000 with the Yankee Candle fundraiser. Thank you for your support. Yankee Candle has committed to help PMA all year long.
Anytime you shop online they will make a donation to our school. Visit
www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and enter group #99896054 in the "start shopping" box.
Thank you for your support!
|
A few years ago PMA partnered with GoodSearch and GoodShop as a way to easily increase funds coming into the school. It is a simple way everyone can help support PMA without having to donate any of their own money. All you need to do is go online. It's that simple and something most of us do every day.
If you conduct your Internet searches through GoodSearch they give PMA a penny for each search. That's it. If everyone did this, imagine the money that could be raised. Pennies add up very quickly. This could be one huge penny war.
GoodShop is a wonderful place to go if you shop online. They have partnered with over 5,000 stores to provide the best deals and coupons to you PLUS the stores also donate up to a certain percentage of your purchase back to PMA. They have deals from Target, Amazon, Lands' End, Vista Print, Bloomingdales, NFLShop, Edible Arrangements, Old Navy, Orbitz, Groupon, Macys, Nike, Verizon, Hotels.com, TMobile, and many, many more. The categories and lists are endless. Their motto is: "You Shop. You Save. We Give." And we hope that when you shop they will give to PMA. With Christmas coming and online shopping becoming more and more popular, remember GoodShop and PMA.
*Please don't forget to add Presentation of Mary Academy -PMA in Methuen as your favorite cause before you start!
|
PMA Calendar
Save the date! Click here to view the latest events on the
PMA CALENDAR.
|
Report Card Night &
Parent-Teacher Meetings
Thursday, November 5
Starting at 6:00
|
High School Placement Test
Saturday, November 7
Saturday, December 5
High school placement testing for current 8th graders.
To register online visit our website at
www.pmamethuen.org
|
Senior Retreat
November 19 - 20
|
Methuen Santa Parade
Saturday, November 21
Come see the PMA Christmas Float in downtown Methuen!
|
Junior Ring Ceremony
Monday, November 23
Time TBD
|
Annual Flag Football &
Turkey Toss
Tuesday, November 24
|
|
Call for Legacy Award Nominations
|
Help us honor the best of PMA! Now is the time to submit nominations for 2016 PMA Legacy Award recipients.
Do you know a PMA Alum who exemplifies the values and
mission of Presentation of Mary Academy, and through service and/or career has
made a difference in our community?
Nominations may be submitted by sending an email to Paula Mansor-Laliberte, '82, (
[email protected]) explaining why your nominee deserves a PMA Legacy Award. Provide any supporting materials that will assist the awards committee in the decision making process. Nominations must be submitted on or before February 1, 2016. A committee of alumni, school administrators, and trustees will select all recipients. Awards will be presented at our Spring Gala Legacy Evening on Friday, April 8, 2016 at the Atkinson Resort & Country Club.
SAVE THE DATES
Online Auction
March 23- April 7, 2016
Spring Gala Legacy Evening
Friday, April 8, 2016
For more information please contact Sarah Hamilton via email at
|
|
Alumni News Wanted
PMA Alumni--- what is going on in your life? We want to know! Please send us your news so that we may share it in the December edition of Pathways magazine.
Email Paula Mansor-Laliberte at
[email protected]
|
Stay Connected
|
|
 |
|
