THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2019
Thomas A. Kardish, President Ι Lauren Carr '00, Principal
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Construction Corner
Construction Update
Over the Easter break, ceiling lights were installed and more drywall was added in the new Auditorium. Additionally, the temporary wall at the end of the school hallway was moved back.
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Founded in Faith. Fulfilling the Mission Update
Make an investment in the future of Villa Joseph Marie! While Villa's Annual Fund and Auction support the yearly operations of the school, Founded in Faith. Fulfilling the Mission was initiated by our Board of Directors in support of our school's Mission. This campaign supports the construction of our new state-of-the-art Auditorium, adds classroom space in what was once a nursing home in St. Joseph's Hall, and helps build our endowment for scholarships and tuition assistance. Already, $3.4 million has been raised from 83 donors. Please consider how YOU can partner with Villa to assure an exemplary Catholic secondary education for future generations of Jems.
Interested in learning more or care to schedule a tour of our new Auditorium space? Contact Jennifer McDonald at 215.357.8810 x124 or jmcdonald@vjmhs.org.
Student Spotlight
Rocketry
Villa's Rocketry team -- Annalise Schuck '22, Mikealani Perales '22, Erin McFadden '22, Madeline Patrick '22 -- was was named as a National Finalist in this year's Team America Rocketry Challenge. They placed in the top 100 of 830 teams and will advance to compete again on Saturday, May 18 in Virginia at the Team America Rocketry Challenge Final Fly-Off. There they will compete for more than $100,000 in cash and prizes, the title of National Champion, and the honor of representing the United States at the International Rocketry Challenge in Paris, France. Congratulations on this major accomplishment, and we wish you the best of luck competing at the next level!
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Student Council
Congratulations to our new Homeroom Representatives! Class of 2020: Sarah Cahill, Lily Dineen, Emma Garrison, Gianna LaMena, Maddie Miller Class of 2021: Julia Beck, Gianna Fiduccia, Grace Kelly, Gabrielle Lyons, Ellie McLaughlin Class of 2022: Emma Hagan, Morgan Murphy, Mya Papouschek, Lauren Redican, Madeline Williams| |
Environmental Club
Villa's Environmental Club "adopted" three animals for Earth Day -- a polar bear, a manatee, and a gray wolf!
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Career Day
Villa's annual Career Day was a success. Students enjoyed visiting with Alumnae, Parents and Friends of Villa who graciously volunteered their time to share their career knowledge. Thanks to all of our presenters. See you next year!
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Happy Easter!
On the Friday before Villa's Easter break, the Parents' Guild continued the annual tradition of providing cupcakes for the students. Later that day, Villa held a fun egg hunt event in the gym.
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Villa on Video
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Annual Fund 2018-2019
We are nearing our Annual Fund goal of $201,900! Will you help us?
Like most schools, tuition is the greatest source of income at Villa Joseph Marie. Tuition, however, covers only about 85% of the actual cost to send a student to our beloved school. With your help and support of the Annual Fund, Villa can:
- Keep tuition down, thereby allowing more deserving young women, regardless of their family's financial circumstances, the benefit of a strong, Catholic, single-sex education.
- Support the professional development and growth of our extraordinary faculty, ultimately strengthening the curriculum for every young woman.
- Provide athletics and extracurricular activities that support student growth outside the classroom.
- Maintain the school's facility and campus to provide an atmosphere where young women can find who God is calling them to be.
Please remember that every gift, regardless of size, assists Villa in covering the 15% gap in expenses left by tuition and is often unrestricted so it can be used wherever there is greatest need. Care to select where your donation is used? Make a donation today and choose where you feel most called to give!
Athletics News & Notes
Becky Flynn Hensel '99, Athletic Director | VJMAthletics@vjmhs.org
We're Searching for a Golf Coach
The Villa Golf Team is searching for a head coach for the upcoming 2019-2020 season. Anyone interested should email Athletic Director Becky Flynn Hensel at VJMAthletics@vjmhs.org or call 215-357-8810, ext 125.
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Attention Senior Athletes!
Any SENIOR athlete who has committed to playing a sport in college next year (at any level), should see Ms. Flynn Hensel in the Main Office for details about Senior Athlete Recognition that is scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2019.
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Cheerleading
The Cheerleading team will hold Open Gym nights for current Villa students on Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Girls will work on overall cheerleading skills, including stunting and cheers. Contact Coach Kelsey-Lynne Keen at VJMCheer@vjmhs.org with any questions.
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Rowing
Last weekend, Villa Rowing hosted Harriton HS at Lake Luxembourg for our annual dual. Villa had a good day, sweeping all of the races, including winning the Junior 4, Freshman 8 and Freshman 4 all by comfortable margins. The dual ended with an 8 race, where girls from Villa and Harriton rowed mixed boats. It was great fun and an awesome way to meet other rowers. Thanks to all who came out to support the team!
Villa Rowing also had an outstanding day competing at the 5th Regatta in the Flick Horvat Series. In addition to placing for the day, seeding for the City Championship Regatta (state championship race) was determined. The Varsity 8 led the way with a strong 4th place finish among the top tier of boats. Rowing our best race so far of the season, Villa beat schools from VA, NJ and PA in our last scholastic tune up before the City Championship Regatta. The Junior 4 had a tremendous row in their time trial, finishing 5th (of 26). The Freshman 8 finished 3rd (of 15) in their time trial, and the Freshman 4 went 3rd (of 5) in their sprint race. Going into the City Championship Regatta in 2 weeks, Villa is well placed to have a great regatta.
After racing, the team settled into spring break two-a-day practices, working on building speed. Up next is the Cooper Cup Regatta on Sunday April 28th on the Cooper River. Villa will be fielding 6 boats in the final tune before medal season.
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Sailing
What Your Daughter Learns When She Learns to Sail: Click here for the full article.
If you are interested in Villa Sailing please contact Becky Flynn Hensel at VJMAthletics@vjmhs.org or Lisa Malloy Smith at malloylisa@hotmail.com.
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Track & Field
At the Abington Invitational
100 hurdles - Juliana Littley, season best
300 hurdles - Sabrina Rockelmann, season best
400 meters - Lily Dineen, season best
Mile Lillie Corino, season best & qualified for AACA
4x100 - Samantha Pawluczyk, Meredith Gauker, Juliana Littley, Avamarie Backich, season best
Long jump/Triple Jump - Clare Staudenmeier, 1st place/1st place & qualified for DISTRICTS
Triple Jump - Hailey Monaghan, season best
At GMA
Discus - Maddie Smith, season best
At the 125th Penn Relays on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Franklin Field:
4x100 - Samantha Pawluczyk, Meredith Gauker, Juliana Littley, Avamarie Backich - time: 52.91
4x400 - Juliana Littley, Lillie Corino, Avamarie Backich, Lily Dineen - time: 4:21.01, season best
Shown in the photos above: (left) Samantha Pawluczyk, Meredith Gauker, Juliana Littley, Lily Dineen, Avamarie Backich, (right) Lillie Corino, Lily Dineen, Juliana Littley, Avamarie Backich
Admissions News & Notes
Stephanie Gahagan, Director of Admissions | sgahagan@vjmhs.org
Rise & Shine
May 2, 2019 *Special session featuring the Transcend Program
May 15, 2019
Visit Villa bright and early this spring! Seventh-grade girls and their parents are invited to Rise and Shine—an opportunity for students to experience their first taste of the Villa environment without losing a whole school day to shadow. Please register on our website, using this link.
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Summer@Villa
Villa presents many summer camp programs to educate, excite, and inspire students in grades 4-12 throughout the summer. For more information and to register on our website, please use this link.
Alumnae News & Notes
Mary Beth Walinskas '96, Alumnae Relations Coordinator | mwalinskas@vjmhs.org
Congratulations, Kat!
Katherine A. "Kat" Mangione '18, Gettysburg College '22,
placed 1st javelin/4th discus at the Mason-Dixon Invite this past weekend.
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Next to Normal
Bucks Drama Club Presents: Next to Normal [chosen as "one of the year's ten best shows" by critics around the country] at Zlock Performing Arts Center on May 2-4. Calista R. Wagner '18 is directing the show. For more information about the show, and to purchase tickets, click here.
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Empowering Women as Temple University's Student Government President
At the time this article was written, Francesca Capozzi '17 was a Presidential candidate for Temple's Student Government, and she later went on to win the election. This was the first all-girl campaign in Temple's history. Congratulations, Fran!
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Wall of Fame: Nominations due by May 1
Do you know someone who should be elected to the Villa Joseph Marie High School Wall of Fame in 2019? Visit www.vjmhs.org/walloffame and place your nomination by May 1, 2019.
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Calling all VJM Dramatic Society Alumnae
Join us on the stage of the new auditorium this Fall! The inaugural production will feature BOTH current students and alumnae in a musical cabaret performance! Please email Mrs. Melissa Holdren, Performing Arts Administrator, at mholdren@vjmhs.org for more information regarding convenient summer rehearsals, dates, times, and more. We can't wait to see you shine on the new Villa stage of your dreams!
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Our Next Alumnae Social
Please join us to connect and catch-up with your fellow Washington, D.C.-area Villa Alumnae!
Register by Friday, May 10, 2019 at www.vjmhs.org/DCsocial.
Bring a friend! Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
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Alumnae, did you receive our new Alumnae Newsletter that was emailed before Easter? If not, please send your email address to mwalinskas@vjmhs.org and we'll add you to the list!
Development News & Notes
Jennifer Drayer-McDonald, Director of Development | jmcdonald@vjmhs.org
Villa Scrip Program
Check out Villa's Scrip Program! Through ShopWithScrip.com, Villa offers gift cards to hundreds of retailers that provide a direct benefit to you and our school — a percentage of your purchases will be donated to Villa and an equal percentage will be applied to tuition for the following school year for your daughter or another student of your choosing. Click here to learn more!
Guidance News & Notes
Anne Perez, Director of Guidance | aperez@vjmhs.org
Sign up for a Study Skills Workshop
Mrs. Neeld is hosting a series of 3 Study Skills Workshops. Mrs. Smeraglio sent an email through Canvas, inviting girls to participate in the sessions offered on Thursdays, April 11, April 25, and May 2. These workshops will address key study skills needed for academic success and will meet after school from 3-4p.m. There will be time at the conclusion of each session to support individualized questions/concerns/needs. Any questions, please see guidance or Mrs.Neeld. Students must sign up on the link sent from guidance to attend.
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Upcoming College Fairs:
Northeast Regional Fair: Monday April 29, 2019, 8:30-11:30 a.m. & 6-8 p.m.
Northwest Regional Fair: Tuesday, May 14, 2019, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
2019 Spring Regional College Fair Dates
Mission & Ministry News & Notes
Stephanie McCarthy, Director of Mission & Ministry | smccarthy@vjmhs.org
Altar Servers Needed
We are seeking Altar Servers for the Baccalaureate Mass on June 1, 2019. We encourage Villa underclassmen and siblings of seniors to participate in celebrating the Mass this way! Please sign up by emailing Ms. Hall at chall@vjmhs.org.| |
Litany for Mother Maria
The Archbishop of Chicago recently approved a new Litany for Mother Maria. Please join the Villa community in praying this litany as we continue to pray for Mother Maria's canonization.
Parents' Guild News & Notes
Anita Wagner, President | vjmparentsguild@vjmhs.org
Campus Store
Campus Store is now re-stocked for Spring with fresh hoodies, tees, shorts, sweatpants and socks. Come visit us in our temporary location, Room 211! The store is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays during all lunch periods. We will also be open on Thursday evening, April 25, for Spring Open House.
School News & Notes
Marissa Brown, Dean of Student Affairs | mbrown@vjmhs.org
Villa's Color Run
Villa is hosting our first-ever Color Run on Saturday, May 4, 2019! One hundred percent of proceeds from the run will benefit Catholic Relief Services. The CRS mission includes serving the poor and those in need and promoting human development and integrity throughout the United States and across the globe. Visit www.crs.org for more information about the organization.
There will be two Color Run events:
1K Run/Walk – $15
5K Run – $30
(Prices increase by $5 after April 26.)
Register today at www.vjmhs.org/colorrun!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Samantha O'Hara '19 at sjmohara@gmail.com or Caroline Hall at chall@vjmhs.org or 215-357-8810, ext 131.
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Important Reminder for All Students and Parents
• Please follow all traffic patterns including, and most importantly, the 15 MPH speed restriction.
• Students should not be dropped off at the first stop sign because this backs up traffic. Please pull forward.
• Parents, please do not arrive to school for pickup until 2:50pm. Thank you!
Book Recommendations
The National English Honor Society has compiled a list to highlight Villa's current faculty & staff's favorite books. Enjoy reviewing their recommendations and reading any works that pique your interest! This week we'd like to highlight Ms. May, Ms. McBrinn, and Mrs. McCarthy.
Ms. May
1. Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness By: Susannah Cahalan
2. The Hate U Give By: Angie Thomas
3. Every Last Word By: Tamara Ireland Stone
Ms. McBrinn
Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass By: Lewis Carroll
Mrs. McCarthy
The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Anything By: James Martin, S.J.
Click here to read why they chose these books and to see the full list of book recommendations from our faculty & staff.
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The Week Ahead
THIS WEEK
Friday, April 26
Day 1 - Schedule E
7th Grade Movie Night:
7:00 p.m.
Prom:
7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27
Sunday, April 28
Monday, April 29
Day 2 - Schedule I
Mental Health Monday
Tuesday, April 30
Day 3 - Schedule C
Choir/Band Concert:
1:45 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 1
Day 4 - Schedule B
May Crowning Mass
Student Council Inductions:
8:45 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Parents' Guild General Meeting - Senior Tribute:
7:00 p.m.
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Thursday, May 2
Day 5 - Schedule A
Friday, May 3
Day 6-1 - Schedule I
Senior Athlete Recognition Day:
7:30 a.m.
Saturday, May 4
CRS 5K Color Run
Sunday, May 5
Important Links
- School Calendar
- Athletics Calendar
- Liturgy Calendar
- Prayer Intention Submission Form
- Download the FREE Villa Joseph Marie App for all Apple-based mobile devices:
- Go to the App Store.
- Search for Villa Joseph Marie.
- Click Install.
- Follow the prompts on screen.
Parents, share your photos with us! If you post photos from Villa events and activities on Facebook, please tag us at Villa Joseph Marie. Our Alumnae and fellow parents really enjoy seeing the many good things our Jems are up to! (Note: The Facebook account entitled "Villa Joseph Marie High School" is not an official account and is not managed by Villa). Photos also may be emailed to efranzzo@vjmhs.org
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Please forward your submissions for This Week at Villa to Erica Franzzo '03 at efranzzo@vjmhs.org. Deadline for submissions is 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Submissions may be edited or omitted for space, clarity, or content at the sole discretion of the editor. We also welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions. Thanks for reading This Week at Villa!
