Saint Joseph Academy Weekly News

February 18, 2022
Important Dates
Monday, February 21
Presidents’ Day
No School/Office Closed

Tuesday, February 22
Junior Professional Shadowing

Tacos, Ties, Tiaras, and Tutus Spirit Day
 
Wednesday, February 23
Junior Professional Shadowing

College Guidance Seminars for Class of 2022
 
Women’s Leadership Symposium for Classes of 2024 and 2025
(Please note: this is not an early release day.)
 
Seeley Test Prep Algebra Class,
3-4 p.m. (Please note: this time is different from the usual time.)
 
Thursday, February 24
Junior Professional Shadowing
 
Asynchronous Day for Classes of 2022, 2024 and 2025 

Parent-Teacher Conferences,
3:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
 
Friday, February 25
Teacher Professional Day/No School/Office Open
 
Saturday, February 26
“Celebrate the Academy” gala
Monday, February 28
Class of 2023 Kairos XLVIII Retreat
St. Leonard's Youth Retreat Center
 
HSHP Field Trip, Cleveland State University
 
Black History Month Celebration
 
Tuesday, March 1
HSHP & Global Scholars Field Trip, MedWish International
 
Class of 2023 Kairos XLVIII Retreat
St. Leonard's Youth Retreat Center
 
Wednesday, March 2
Ash Wednesday Mass
Formal Uniform
 
Early Dismissal, 2:30 p.m.
 
Class of 2023 Kairos XLVIII Retreat
St. Leonard's Youth Retreat Center
 
Thursday, March 3
Class of 2022 and 2023 Art Retreat
St. Leonard's Youth Retreat Center

Friday, March 4
Joe’s Clothes
 
HSPT Field Trip, Ohio University
 
E&DHP Field Trip, Transformer Station
News
Congratulations, National Merit Finalists!
The National Merit Scholarship Program recently announced that Seniors Betsy Gerrity, Erika Klosinski, Jess Kowalski and Morgan Rudolph have been selected as Finalists. These young women were chosen from a pool of 16,000 Semifinalists to continue in the competition for the opportunity to receive scholarship awards in 2022.
Students Celebrate Lunar New Year
The Asian Culture Club organized in a wide range of activities in celebration of the Lunar New Year, which began on February 1. They recently launched a Lunar New Year art contest in which students created paper lanterns and painted fans. During Catholic Schools Week’s morning announcements, Lucy Ye ’24 read prayers in Chinese.

This week, students tried their hand at Chinese calligraphy and were encouraged to create traditional Chinese couplets.

Immigration Focused Immersion Field Trip
CORE Ministry and the Global Program students spent last week deepening their understanding of the migration and refugee situation in the United States. Students participated in a four-day BorderLinks U.S./Mexico Virtual Border Immersion field trip on campus and around the city of Cleveland.

Spanish teacher and Global Program Director Ms. Rebecca Levis shared, “They met virtually with a delegation leader from BorderLinks in Tucson, AZ to engage in dynamic education-based activities, witness the personal stories of migrants and learn how to work in collaboration with those who are marginalized.”

Social Psychology Experiment Provides Valuable Insights
AP Psychology teacher Mrs. Taylor Lagzdins turned her classroom into the site of a controlled social psychology experiment as part of a unit on group behavior. In preparation for the end-of-unit test, students were invited to participate in a puzzle-building competition with very few rules. With the prize of bonus points on the line, the social order quickly broke down, and groups were scrambling to survive, destroying other groups' puzzles and creating rigid “roles” like protectors, attackers and builders.

Art Students Sweep Tri-C® "Rock Off" Contest! 
Since 2013, Art teacher Mrs. Beth Pleban’s graphic design students enter the Tri-C® "High School Rock Off" design competition, now in its 25th year. There are three design categories: CD cover, poster and t-shirt.

For the first time in the Academy’s history, students won all three categories! Below are the winners.

  • Lily Kuebler '23: CD cover
  • Emilie DeOreo '22: poster
  • Mia Stutzman '22: t-shirt (featured in photo)

Parent/Guardian Meeting Regarding Summer Ministry Opportunities
During Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, February 24, there will be an informational meeting regarding student summer ministry opportunities. Information regarding the application process for summer faith exploration programs such as Notre Dame Vision, Tolle Lege, and the Arrupe Summer Program will be shared. Suggestions for summer service opportunities will also be discussed.

This meeting will be from 6:30-7 p.m. in room 116. 

Questions? Please contact CORE Ministry teacher Mrs. Theresa Avila-John.

Important Arrival/Dismissal Reminders
Safety is, of course, our primary concern. In addition to driving carefully and safely, parents/guardians are asked to review these arrival and dismissal procedures with their daughters or carpools:
  • Proceed directly to St. Joseph & Mary George Circle for dropoff and pickup.
  • Due to the number of pedestrians in the parking lots during arrival and dismissal, dropoff and pickup are not permitted in any parking lots.
  • Arriving at 7:30 a.m. or picking up at 3:15 p.m. reduces the likelihood of significant delays.

2022-2023 School Year Key Dates Now Available!
Important dates for the 2022-2023 school year are now available. The document can be accessed here. It can also be found in the Student and Parent Portals by logging into the website, selecting the Resouce Board and then opening the “Important Information” folder.  
Spotlight: Mariel Drost '23
Accomplishments: As a student leader of the Asian Culture Club, Mariel enjoyed being able to share elements of the Lunar New Year celebration with the Saint Joseph Academy community as the Year of the Tiger began this week. “The New Year celebration is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture,” she said. “It is a very family-oriented holiday with a long history and ancient traditions of special gifts and foods.” Born in Guangxi Province, China, Mariel was adopted when she was one year old and grew up in North Royalton. When she was deciding where to attend high school, Mariel was attracted to the opportunity to study Mandarin Chinese at Saint Joseph Academy and has enjoyed experiencing Asian music, cuisine and art through the Asian Culture Club. As an SJA student, she appreciates the freedom to explore a variety of interests and activities and get to know people from many different backgrounds.

For her Junior Professional Shadowing experience, Mariel will be working with the Natural Resources Division of the Cleveland Metroparks, which is dedicated to maintaining the health and diversity of the natural resources within the Parks. She has enjoyed her biology courses and intends to pursue a career in Environmental Science. She is considering becoming a wildlife biologist, as she has been interested in the natural world (especially animals) since she was a child. 

Activities: In addition to her involvement with the Asian Culture Club, Mariel competes in throwing events on the Track and Field Team and is currently ranked 12th in Ohio in the indoor weight throw. She also enjoys skiing and snowboarding as a member of the Ski Club and has been on the leadership team of SJA Voices for Change. Mariel’s involvement in social justice has been inspired in part by her great aunt, Sr. Loretta Schulte, CSJ, who has been a leader in the local Congregation’s social justice ministries for over 40 years.
Athletics
Carlee Blankenship Qualifies for Indoor Track Nationals
The Indoor Track Team took a very small contingent to Kent State University and they made the most of it! Carlee Blankenship '22 highlighted the meet finishing 4th with a National qualifying time in the 800m which advances her to the meet in Virginia Beach next month.

In the shot put Cailynn Cho ‘24 threw a season-best of 31’10", which earned her 10th place. Lexi Krych '23 threw a 27’9” in the shot put. Maggie Maline ‘22 threw a big PR in the Weight throw finishing 2nd with 33’9”, and Mariel Drost '23 was 4th overall. Clare Jordan ‘22 and Kate Boland '23 ran season bests in the 200m!


Written by: Head Track Coach Mr. Steve Stahl
Varsity Basketball Advances to District Semifinal with Win Over Normandy
The Varsity basketball team began post-season play with a 60-13 win over Normandy in the sectional championship game Thursday evening on its home court. SJA came out firing on all cylinders in the first half, clamping down on defense and getting out in their transition offense. The Jaguars connected on four threes in the first half -- one by Ryan Elbert '22 one by Lizzy Lenahan '22 and two by Ella Neitzel '22.


Written by: Head Basketball Coach Mrs. Karen Swanson Haan
For more information on athletics highlights, scores and schedules visit the Saint Joseph Academy Athletics homepage or follow team updates on Twitter
or Facebook.