Saint Matthias Students Participate in African American Read-In
On Friday, February 13, 2015, students at Saint Matthias met as their “families” to celebrate the works of African American authors and illustrators as a part of the African American Read-In. Saint Matthias participates in the event annually. This is the first time the focus has been on two specific authors: Jerry Pinkney and Nina Crews.
This learning and awareness activity is hosted nationally by the Black Caucus of NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) and NCTE.
This is just one of the many adventures in learning that students participate in during Black history month. Serving students from more than a dozen countries, lessons in cultural diversity happen naturally throughout the year.
To learn more about the NCTW African American Read-In, visit http://www.ncte.org/aari
To learn more about Jerry Pinkney: http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/
To learn more about Nina Crews: http://ninacrews.com/
Alumni Profile: Langmia Fonjoe
My Saint Matthias Experience
Alumnus Coach Paolucci highlighted on Hardwood Hustle
Alum Tommy Paolucci was highlighted on the podcast on The Hardwood Hustle. He shared his history at DeMatha Catholic High School and advice to younger athletes. Coach Paolucci is a DeMatha graduate, and currently serves on the admissions, development teams, and teaches Physical Education. Mr. Paolucci serves on the Saint Matthias school board.
http://hardwoodhustle.com/2015/02/09/ep-124-assistant-coachs-perspective-demathas-tommy-paolucci-hardwood-hustle-basketball-podcast/
Saint Matthias has 100% acceptance rate into DeMatha Catholic High School over the past three years. They historically have sent many graduates on to join the gentlemen and scholars of the Stags.
Happy 100th Day of School
Today is our 100th day of school at Saint Matthias for the 2014-2015 school year.
So far this year, we have:
-Welcomed 34 new friends (31 students, 3 teachers)
– Had 2 whole-school morning meetings
– Created over 100 cards for Christmas as a service project
– Collected food, coats, mittens, and funds for service projects
-Learned at museums, the pumpkin patch, and Black Rock Retreat Center
-Raised our Math Scores 80 points
-Raised our Reading Scores 86 points
-Raised our Reading Foundations Scores 212 points
– Thanked our friends, family, community and teachers during our “Week of Thanks”
– Played at the Fall Festival
– Learned from Fire Fighters from Prince George’s County Fire Department
– Planted tulips as a part of the International Tulip Project
– Logged over 1000 parent volunteer hours
– Celebrated our first Cross Country Season
– Hosted a book fair, and the “night before school” reading night
– Applied to 8 Catholic High Schools and have already heard back with a YES from the Prince George’s County Science and Technology Program
We are looking forward to the rest of this year! Happy 100th day, Saint Matthias family!
Alumni Spotlight: Emily Leach
We asked alumna Emily Leach, a Lanham native, share how Saint Matthias prepared her for her global adventure in animal science. Here’s what she shared:
“Saint Matthias helped shape who I have become and continue to work towards because of teaching me to always work hard and work towards my goal. Teachers such as Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Doran challenged me and supported me to reach my goals of becoming a veterinarian. The projects we would do in science class and algebra helped me start applying my knowledge in practical settings. These skills transferred to my undergraduate studies in the Animal Science program at University of Maryland where I felt comfortable with hands on science that then allowed me to get into veterinary school. I will graduate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in May 2016 and hope to come back to the area to serve the area I grew up and began my journey.”
We look forward to have Emily come back and share with our students when she is state-side next!
Teacher Appreciation Day
Today is Teacher Appreciation Day at Saint Matthias. We are SO thankful for our dedicate instructional and support staff.
Saint Matthias Announces Changes for 2015-2016 School Year
Last night, Principal Abbie Greer and Father Milton Jordan shared with the parents of The Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle their new innovations for the 2015-2016 school year. These new initiatives were outlined as the first steps in an ongoing process to ensure 21-century learners and leaders are fostered at Saint Matthias. This was their first annual “State of the School Address.” These decisions were made with consultation of the School Board and leadership of the Archdiocese of Washington.
Jesuit Spirituality
While continuing to follow the Archdiocese of Washington religion curriculum, Saint Matthias will now infuse their instruction with an Ignatian spirituality. Their focus will be on ensuring the education of the whole student. Their dedication to leadership formation will be formalized through this new spiritual focus. Saint Matthias will continue to build the network of support with Jesuit institutions locally and nationally.
Limited Class Size
The class size for the PreK and K will be a maximum of 12 students. For grades one to five, the maximum size will be 14 students. For grades six to eight, the maximum size will be 20 students. This individualized approach will allow educators to meet the needs of all students.
The Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle will continue to use the Responsive Classroom approach for character education and community building. The school will also continue to use supplemental, online, differentiated mathematics program and a choice model for reading. They will also continue their partnership with Notre Dame University though the ACE program.
Dedicated on February 25, 1962, The Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle serves students from preK (age four) to eighth grade. In 2013, teacher Trina Coyle won the Golden Apple from the Archdiocese of Washington. At the end of last year, 80% of the students at Saint Matthias were reading at or above grade level. The Academy of Saint Matthias the Apostle will be accepting applications for the 2015-2016 school year beginning Monday, February 2, 2015 online through the school website.
Catholic Schools Week: Parishioner Appreciation Day
Today, we welcomed members of our Saint Matthias parish family into the school for breakfast to thank them for their support. The parish and school of Saint Matthias were founded together 53 years ago. Since then, Saint Matthias has been educating the youth of Lanham and the surrounding area with support of the parish.
Mrs. Richards welcomes members of our parish family
Fr Jordan joins members of the Saint Matthias parish for a reception in the school library