2015-2016 Annual Report
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Alumnus Poised for College & Career Grade 5 Teacher Inspires Confidence & Creativity After-School Programs Enrich Students Thank You to Our Generous 2015-2016 Donors OF MANY LEARNERS 2015-2016 ANNUAL REPORT 1 2012 ALUMNUS BALANCES ACADEMICS, FROM THE WORK-STUDY, AND ATHLETICS Your support enables Gesu to educate well-rounded students poised for college and career. Photo by Sabina Louise Pierce achary Thomas ’12 maximized Communications during his senior his Gesu education to excel in year, Zachary assisted with the medical Dear Friends of Gesu School, high school as a well-rounded publisher’s website, wrote two articles student. Gesu School educates for potential publication, and collated the whole child—academically, research on medical technologies. The 2015-2016 school year launched with Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families Congress th socially, physically, and spiritually. This experience spurred him to pursue and our 8 graders’ participation as ballroom dancers in the Festival of Families. These historic events set a tone of joy, Zachary’s success stems from his Gesu journalism and electronic media in college. togetherness, and pride for the year. Our Gesu community collaborated to fund and build a new playground. Our students, roots and his family’s support. many of whom come from families living in poverty, not only raised funds for global missions, but exceeded their goal. They are truly “young men and women for others.” In the summer, Zachary maintains A member of Cristo Rey Philadelphia his busy schedule as a lifeguard at High School’s Class of 2016, its first a Philadelphia country club and a As I reflect upon these moments, I am mindful of Gesu’s identity as a Jesuit and IHM institution. I remain dutiful th graduating class, Zachary was accepted playground. Since grade 7, Zachary has to our mission to provide a quality education to 450 Pre-K – 8 grade students, enabling them to break the cycle to multiple colleges and universities— participated in competitive swimming of poverty and violence. “Gesu Works!” Albright, Delaware State, Ithaca, La Salle, with the Salvation Army Kroc Aquatics Saint Joseph’s, and Tuskegee. He will team. He credits the “strict schedule” Each day, our committed faculty educates children of all ability levels—our mosaic of many learners. In the spirit of attend The University of Scranton, a Jesuit with honing his organizational skills. the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Gesu attests that “every child can learn.” Committed to institution, with multiple scholarships. non-selective admissions, we offer the resources to help students reach their highest potential—whether through He attributes his creativity and maturity remedial support or advanced classes. A disciplined young man, Zachary to Gesu. Ms. Hartzell’s art classes ignited balanced an intense high school schedule. a creative spark, which later translated At the outset of college, Zachary Thomas Aligned with the Jesuit belief in cura personalis, care of the whole person, Gesu unwaveringly nurtures students academically, A typical day included 5:30 a.m. swim into writing. Since grade 8, what little ’12 already exudes professionalism socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Our single-gender education in grades 3-8 allows each child to focus and flourish. practice, school or work, evening spare time he has, Zachary dedicates and intellectual curiosity and boasts an swimming until 7 p.m., and studying. to drafting short stories. His portfolio impressive résumé. His Gesu foundation I hope you enjoy the pages that follow, which highlight our mosaic of learners and why “Gesu Works”: includes material for two books. fueled his confidence and drive. • Meet a determined alumnus whose Gesu education catapulted him to early success With this rigorous routine, Zachary still in academics, athletics, and the professional world. earned second honors and served his Surrounded by books at Gesu, Zachary community—volunteering as a school cultivated a thirst for knowledge that he • Learn about a remarkable teacher whose expertise is matched by her strength and compassion. retreat leader and a swim coach. About carried to Cristo Rey, where he took AP his work ethic, Zachary says, “I know that English, AP history, and honors pre- • Read about our extended day programs, which provide critical enrichment and a safe haven for our students. once I get to college, I’ll know how to calculus. An avid reader, Shakespeare’s “I came into high take on a big schedule. I’ve managed it.” Hamlet is his favorite literary work. school VERY Thank you to our many supporters who make a Gesu education possible through their time, talent, and generosity— PREPARED board members, sponsors, foundations, corporations, individual donors, volunteers, and families. Each of you is an essential Zachary thrived in Cristo Rey’s His family values Gesu’s model and piece in our mosaic. Work-Study Program, working five days teachers. “They kept me on track and & VERY per month in professional settings and communicated with my parents,” indicates CONFIDENT Peace and blessings, earning top ratings from supervisors. Zachary, who attended from grades 1-8. in myself.” His pay helped fund his tuition. “Teachers teach the material thoroughly. —Zachary Thomas ’12 They don’t just throw it at you, but teach During his freshman and sophomore you how to comprehend and learn better. Bryan H. Carter years, Zachary worked at Comcast I came into high school very prepared and President and CEO in Home Security and Supply Chain very confident in myself,” Zachary reflects. Management. He developed spreadsheets I invite you to visit Gesu School to experience our community in action. To schedule a tour, contact the Development Office for national inventory and product Gesu helped Zachary form his strong students for how to move in society. at 215-763-9077 or [email protected]. Stay current on Gesu news. Visit www.gesuschool.org. Click “Join our distribution and tested home security character, which he describes as “authentic As they get older and start dealing email list.” equipment. As a junior, Zachary and loyal,” and develop resiliency. “I with high school and adults, Gesu interned at the law firm Lavin, O’Neil, learned about never giving up,” he states. (Front Cover): At the outset of the 2015-2016 school year, Gesu School’s 450 students were greeted with a new playground prepares them for the real world.” on the roof to ensure they have a modern, safe space to play outdoors. A special thanks to the Cooney, Schreder, Sims, and Cedrone, and DiSipio, where he attended Trumpbour families from Holy Child School at Rosemont; PENTA Building Group Foundation; the Ethel Mae Hocker Foundation; depositions and organized case documents. Zachary’s father, Mr. Thomas, Father and son agree: “Stick through and a generous anonymous donor. We are also deeply grateful to the Gesu parents/guardians and friends who volunteered to praises Gesu’s approach: “The the process. And trust it, because build the new playscape. Photo by Sabina Louise Pierce As an Editorial Intern for Bryn Mawr structured environment prepares this school really works.” 2 3 EXTENDED DAY PROGRAMS PROVIDE GRADE 5 TEACHER ENRICHMENT AND A SAFE HAVEN INSTILLS CONFIDENCE Your generosity delivers crucial academic, social, AND INSPIRES and physical education activities to Gesu’s students. CREATIVITY To meet the needs of working parents Thanks to your support, quality and provide a safe environment, Gesu School offers extensive, varied after- teachers impact students’ lives. school programming five days per week until 6 p.m., even through the summer. aithful. Caring. Smart. Energetic. These are the Students engage in remedial support, th mosaic of words that Gesu’s 5 grade girls use to academic and cultural enrichment, and describe their teacher, Ms. Tammi Crummy. physical activity. Extended day plays a vital role in the overall well-being of students from Gesu’s surrounding communities. For ten years, her vibrant spirit has touched the lives of her Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 5th grade students. With her unwavering dedication to Gesu’s mission, After-School Program Ms. Crummy’s colleagues nominated her for the Staff create daily activity plans by 2016 Knetzger Outstanding Teacher Award. grade level for 80-100 students, including homework and structured As a Gesu parent, Ms. Crummy volunteered in her sons’ Denise Jackson, Director, has further play, such as computers or cooking. professionalized Gesu’s After-School Program classrooms, prompting a career shift from social work and In addition to seasonal and cultural and earned its PA State Certificate of academic advising. This professional background, combined with activities, such as a Christmas play Compliance. Photo by Sabina Louise Pierce her B.A. in Sociology from Virginia State University and her and African American history, unique own childhood in Gesu’s neighborhood, strengthens her ties with opportunities abound. Students students and families. Ms. Crummy states, “Growing up here and (Right) Youngest Scholars’ five-week in grades 2-4 are developing civic summer intensive targets a topic, such as now teaching here—it means so much to me.” She elaborates, “I engagement through membership the ocean, for in-depth study. definitely use my social work skills in my classroom. It’s important in Gesu’s Boy Scout Troop 1700. at Gesu because of where the school is. With some of the Ms. Crummy empowers each student to be self-assured and reach Tyree, grade 4, has learned “to be a students we have, it helps me have more empathy and understand her potential. Photo by Andrea Kellner leader, not a follower, and to stand Catholic Youth their background. If a student is cranky, you might think he up for yourself.” Students in grades or she is misbehaving. But that student might be hungry.” Organization (CYO) face challenges.