The Minimester

All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are required to sign up for a Minimester course that will take them out of the classroom to experience learning in real and concrete ways. Some of the Minimesters include significant travel and others are based right here in Chicago. In the following pages, you will see Minimester courses that have their basis in science, history, the arts, literature, language, culture, and more! We are confident that the Minimester courses will enrich our students, and open them up to new, indelible experiences. We believe that the experience of these classes will help them to become not only better students, but better people.

Each Minimester course is about the equivalent of a week, or 30 hours of learning time. Many of the Minimester courses will take place at the traditional end of the school year and some take place over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter breaks, and some take place on select weekends throughout the school year. Your son will want to take into consideration his preferences and other commitments (e.g., family, athletics, job, finances) when choosing his Minimester course.

More detailed information for course offerings that include significant travel and cost will be made available at family meetings, as well as from the course instructors. Please feel free to contact them by email with your questions.

The Minimester courses that follow are arranged by Tier – there are Tier I, II, III, and Tier IV courses available to our students and they are catalogued, more or less, by price. Final prices may vary depending on how many students sign up for a course. The listed prices are estimates. The final cost will be given at the end of the registration period. It is important to know that deposits for courses are non-refundable after deadlines - please be aware and mindful of these deadlines.

Please use the Minimester Registration Form to indicate your choice of Minimester. Note that some courses require that a $50 deposit be made at the time of registration. Tier IV courses require that you only submit your Minimester preference. Please see the Registration Form for further detailed instructions.

Please also see the Minimester FAQ’s that follow.

Every student must submit the Minimester Registration Form - to Mrs. Larkin-Reves in the Business Office -indicating his Minimester preference

FAQ: St. Rita Minimester

What is Minimester? Minimester is an offering of a wide range of 30-hour (minimum) courses incorporated into the school calendar in various ways to offer our students education through high-interest experiences and indelible “life lessons” outside the traditional classroom.

Are Minimester classes required for all students? Minimester classes are required of every freshman, sophomore and junior. They are not required for seniors, but in some cases seniors may be permitted to take a Minimester class, if space and timing permit.

When will Minimester classes be taken during the school year? We will officially schedule Minimester into the school calendar during the last week or so of the school year. Many Minimester classes will be offered at that time. However, Minimester offerings are flexible enough to accommodate every student without disruption to his extracurricular activities and commitments outside of school, such as athletics and part-time jobs. Some Minimester classes will be offered on weekends or during school breaks such as Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter. A student should consider his own calendar of commitments when choosing his Minimester class each year.

What types of classes are offered in Minimester? A wide variety of interests will be addressed in Minimester classes, ranging from the culinary arts to international travel, science to theater, college visits to business to adventure—and many points in between. Some classes will include overnight (even international) travel, and others will include no travel or a series of day trips. Minimester classes will be focused on a wide variety of topics of interest sure to appeal to any Rita Man.

How will my student choose his Minimester class? Students will use this catalogue, of approved Minimester classes, complete with course descriptions, expected per student cost, dates, travel information, teacher(s) and other pertinent information. The school administration reserves the right to deny the request of any student his chosen Minimester class for any reason that is communicated to the student and his family.

Is there a cost associated with Minimester? Yes, in most cases. The cost passed along to families is intended to cover the cost of running the class.

We have divided our courses into four tiers according to per student cost. Tier I classes involve significant travel, possibly overseas, and carry a per student cost of over $1500; Tier II classes often involve domestic travel or other activities that cost between $750 and $1,500; Tier III classes may involve less costly travel but still require hotel or some other type of reservation. Tier IV classes generally take place closer to home and are options that are low-cost or free. Students who commit (with parental permission) to Tier I and Tier II courses may have the option of a monthly payment plan.

We understand that Minimester classes may require a sacrifice for your family, and the ability to absorb the cost is unique to each family. That is why we are committed to two fundamental principles: there will be a wide range of options to accommodate families of all economic means; and, we will assist families in making a determination about which Minimester classes are affordable for them, based on their tuition and financial aid status.

Who will be the teachers of these Minimester classes? St. Rita faculty have conceived of and researched all the Minimester offerings, and they will be the teachers of the courses. In some classes, there may be two or more teachers. We will also utilize non-faculty volunteer chaperones as needed to maintain an acceptable and safe student- teacher ratio. Any non-faculty chaperones will be fully vetted (Virtus-trained and background check) and approved by the administration.

What are the advantages for our students? St. Augustine said, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Whether it is travel across the globe or the country or Chicago—or the figurative ‘travel’ of learning by new experiences—we believe the Minimester courses will enrich our students and open them up to new, indelible experiences. We believe the experience of these classes will help them to become not only better students, but better people. In addition, we believe colleges will look favorably on these classes, especially if a student chooses his Minimester carefully and demonstrates personal growth from the experience. The likelihood is high for a Minimester teacher to be a positive recommender of a student in his college and scholarship applications or for other pre-college programs.

Will Minimester classes be graded and count for credit? Yes, Minimester classes will be graded and will count for a quarter- credit (.25) per year. This grade will appear on the transcript and will count toward graduation and GPA.

Do other high schools offer Minimester? Yes, across the country (and around the world!) high schools offer different versions of the Minimester, which is also known as third semester, project week, January term and other names. These schools include Augustinian schools, as well as other Catholic, private, charter and public schools.

Why are Minimester courses required to be 30 hours? A typical week of school includes about 30 hours of instruction, and we want our Minimester courses to approximate that. Some time is allotted for travel, and some courses will necessitate using more than 30 hours.

Tier I Courses Holocaust in Europe Australia Student Exchange Program

Holocaust in Europe Instructors: Mr. Reed and Mr. Baffoe Dates: Leaving around May 27, 2019 - Actual dates to be determined (10 day trip) Total Cost: $3525.00

Description: One of history’s darkest moments takes on a poignant immediacy when you walk through the cities, towns, and buildings where the events occured. At the Jewish Museum in Berlin, in the Warsaw Ghetto, in Prague’s Jewish Quarter, and at the camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau, you have the opportunity to recall the suffering, honor the victims, and celebrate the liberation

For more information please contact Mr. Reed at [email protected] or Mr. Baffoe at ​ ​ [email protected]

Australia Student Exchange Program Instructor: Mr. Perlberg Dates: May 23 - June 10, 2019 Total Cost: TBD

Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors have the opportunity to take part in a unique student exchange program between Saint Rita and Villanova in Brisbane, Australia. Villanova is an all boys Augustinian school like Saint Rita. The program promotes brotherhood between the two schools. The Australian students will be in Chicago March 29-April 14, 2019 and live with our Saint Rita host families. Then our Saint Rita students will live with the Australian families in Brisbane May 23-June 10, 2019. The obligation is to include the Australian student as part of your family and then your son will have the same welcome while in Australia.

Mr. KC Perlberg will be the chaperone traveling with our students to Australia. Mrs. Earley is the director of the exchange program. There will be a parent/student meeting for anyone interested in more information on Monday, Sept. 10 in the Van Leuven Center at 6:15. Costs, travel dates, program information will be discussed. In the meantime, please contact Mrs. Earley with any questions at [email protected] ​

Tier II Courses New Mexico New Orleans Discovering Democracy in Washington, D.C. History of Las Vegas

New Mexico Instructors: Bro. Joe, Fr. Ray, and Mr. Blaszak Dates: March 11 - 15, 2019 Total Cost: $1000.00 Enrollment Limit: 30 Students

Description: The purpose of this course is to engage students in team-building activities and develop leadership skills. We will use the environment of the desert Southwest to help students experience nature in its rawest form. Price includes airfare, hotel, bus, hot air balloon ride, white water rafting, entry fees for museums, horse farm visit, nighttime activities, breakfast and dinner each day.

For more information please contact Bro. Joe at [email protected], or Fr. Ray at ​ ​ [email protected] or Mr. Blaszak at [email protected] ​

New Orleans Instructors: Mr. Dolan and Mr. Valponi, Dates: March 9 - 13, 2019 Total Cost: $1000.00 - $1200.00 Enrollment Limit: 20 Students

Description: SAINT RITA DOES THE BIG EASY!! A trip to explore one of the most iconic cities in the United States, not only for its strong connection to French culture, which has disappeared in many other cities in the US, but for its food, its hauntings, its museums, and its unique climate of half party and half history. We’ll eat beignet doughnuts, kayak down the bayou, and hunt for the ghost of Marie Laveau in the Lafayette Cemetery. Whether you love live jazz music, service trips, or rock climbing … we’ve got something to keep you interested, so LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER (let the good times roll) and join us in New Orleans!

For more information please contact Mr. Dolan at [email protected], or Mr. Valponi at ​ ​ [email protected]. ​

Discover Democracy in Washington, DC Instructors: Mr. Conlon, and Mr. Kellam Dates: May 25 - 29, 2019 Total Cost: $940.00 Enrollment Limit: 20 Students

Description: The purpose of this trip is to experience the intersection of American history, politics, and religion in Washington D.C. Students will explore historical landmarks, memorials, museums, and governmental institutions. In addition to these prominent sites, students will also have the opportunity to tour the inside of the White House, meet with members of Congress, visit George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, walk through the historic Georgetown University, and enjoy an American pastime at a Nationals’ game. Students will travel, by coach bus, to and from Washington D.C. and to the list of sites below. Here is a list of the sites we will visit during our trip to nation’s capital:

Capitol Building (Free) The White House (Free) Washington National Cathedral (Free) SCOTUS Building (Free) Ford’s Theatre ($2.50 Museum) ($30.00 Show) National Archives ($1.50 fee per person) The Museum of the Bible ($20.00) Arlington National Cemetery (Free) WWII US Holocaust Museum (Free) Smithsonian Memorial (Free) National Museum of Natural History (Free) Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Free) Jefferson Smithsonian National Museum of American Memorial (Free) History (Free) Mount Vernon ($30.00) Lincoln Memorial (Free) National Gallery of Art (Free) Smithsonian Martin Luther King Jr. Monument (Free) American Art Museum (Free) West Potomac Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Free) Park - Whiffle Ball Game Washington Nationals Georgetown (Free) Game ($20.00)

For more information please contact Mr. Conlon at [email protected], or Mr. Kellam at ​ ​ [email protected]. ​

History of Las Vegas Instructors: Mr. Boyd and Mr. Russell, Dates: May 26 - 29, 2019 Total Cost: $700.00 Enrollment Limit: 30 Students

Description: This course will take students to Las Vegas Nevada. The group will stay at the Suncoast Hotel which is about 20 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. The group will visit the Hoover Dam, University of Nevada Las Vegas, The Red Rock Canyons, the Las Vegas Strip, Freemont Street, and Guardian Angel Cathedral.

The group will attend tours explaining the history of the Las Vegas Industry, and various careers in Las Vegas. The group will also take a campus tour of University of Nevada Las Vegas, and attend mass at the Guardian Angel Cathedral.

The cost of the trip includes: round-trip airfare on Southwest and three nights hotel stay. Also included are tours of the Hoover Dam, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Freemont Street, and the Las Vegas Strip. Students are responsible for lunch each day and any personal discretionary spending, but a buffet dinner on Monday & Tuesday nights is included.

Tier III Courses Chicago History Introduction to Astronomy Comedy, Improv and How to Make Things Up Birthplace of a Nation and its Constitution Midwest College Tour Exploring Chicago’s Cultural Neighborhoods Science in Chicago Chemistry of Cooking A Taste of Spanish and Latin American Food and Culture

Chicago History Instructors: Mr. Pazin & Mrs. Boldt Dates: May 28 - 31, 2019 Total Cost: $300.00 - $350.00 / Lunch not included in costs. Enrollment Limit: 20 Students

Description: This course will give students a firsthand experience exploring several of Chicago’s most famous historical landmarks and encounter the rich cultural tradition of our city. We will travel by school bus to the various locations and then back to St. Rita each day.

Tentative Itinerary: Day 1: Architectural Boat Tour on the Chicago River and visit the Chicago History Museum Day 2: Chicago Crime Bus Tour & Chicago Theater Tour Day 3: Wrigley Field Tour Day 4: Boat Tour of Chicago’s Lake Michigan Shoreline Other possibilities: Hull House Tour / Guaranteed Rate Field Tour / Soldier Field Tour

Introduction to Astronomy Instructor: Mr. Conrath Dates: March thru end of May, 2019 Enrollment Limit: 14 students Total Cost: $200.00

Description: This course will introduce students to the wonders of the universe. We will be doing preliminary work at St. Rita to get background knowledge about the cosmos and how the field of astronomy developed. The course will meet during the second semester after school during the week a few times to watch some video about the universe and astronomy. We will take day trips to the Adler Planetarium on Chicago's lakefront and The Yerkes Observatory in Lake Geneva. Dates to be determined Costs: Planetarium and Yerkes Observatory:$100 Transportation: Use of a St Rita Mustang bus with Teacher as driver Meals $50 Total Cost: $150

Comedy, Improv and How to Make Things Up Instructor: Mr. Petrich Dates: Spring Break Total Cost: $400 Enrollment Limit: 15 Students

Description: Comedy has deep roots in the city of Chicago. This experience will allow students the chance to learn the history of comedy in Chicago by visiting the iconic comedy theaters, clubs and improv schools. Students will get their chance to take improv classes, attend shows, and design their own show as a group. Students who complete this minister will also be exposed to and develop skills like patience, listening, self-confidence, communication, and creativity. Improv also has many parallels to the development of faith and some time will be spent exploring these skills as well.

Birthplace of a Nation and its Constitution

Instructors: Mr. DiMarco, Mrs. DeAngelis, and Ms.Brewick Dates: March 11, 2019 thru March 14, 2019 Total Cost: $650 Enrollment Limit: 30 Students

Description: This course will take students to Philadelphia and the greater Philadelphia area. The course will visit Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, The Constitution Center, Olde St. Augustine Church (where the Augustinian Order first served our country) and take in a walking tour of Philadelphia. We will spend one day at Valley Forge National Park and visit surrounding sights such at Villanova University, Malvern Prep, St. Joseph University, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. There will also be a visit to the Art Museum and a run up the Rocky steps. Parts of Philadelphia’s culinary scene will be experienced as well as culture and sports.

Costs: The cost of the trip includes: round-trip airfare on Southwest, three nights hotel stay, breakfast each day, museum entry fees, transportation, two dinners. Students are responsible for lunch each day, two dinners and any personal discretionary spending.

Midwest College Tour

Instructor: Mr. Huff Dates: 5/28 - 5/31, 2019 Total Cost: $600 Enrollment Limit: 13 Students

Description: In the Midwest College Tour minimester, we will visit (day one) UC and Notre Dame (day 2) Marquette, UW Madison, (day 3) a University of Iowa, and (day 4) University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We will pair each visit with a Midwestern cultural experience, from the Milwaukee Art Museum to the Robie House in Hyde Park.

Exploring Chicago’s Cultural Neighborhoods

Instructors: Mr. Kupiec and Mr. Donahue Dates: 10/28, 2018 & 2/10 (Chinese New Year Parade), 5/28 - 5/29, 2019 Total Cost: $200 - $250 Enrollment Limit: 20 Students

Description: Students will explore various neighborhoods in Chicago. Possible experiences will include museum visits, attending festivals/parades, college visits and religious centers. Cost will include one cultural meal each day based on the neighborhood we are visiting. We will visit the Pilsen, Chinatown, Hyde Park, University Village and Rogers Park neighborhoods.

Science in Chicago

Instructors: Mr. Tellez and Mr. Brennan Dates: 5/28 - 6/4, 2019 Total Cost: $280 Enrollment Limit: 20 Students

Description: During the Science In Chicago minimester students will have the opportunity to visit: ● Enrico Fermi Institute. Institute dedicated to nuclear studies. ● Fermilab. USA particle physics and accelerator laboratory that solve the mysteries of matter, energy, space and time. ● Argonne National Laboratory. US Department of Energy and multidisciplinary science. Pending) ● The Museum of Science and Industry ● Great America. Students will ride and experiment physics.

Chemistry of Cooking

Instructors: Mr. Kalb Dates: TBD Total Cost: $50 Enrollment Limit: 15 Students

Description: Explore the world of chemistry through cooking! The world around us is chemical, and so are the foods we eat! This mini-mester takes a look at how you can use chemistry to make delicious and healthy foods; how to experiment to make interesting and delicious discoveries. Over the days we will learn cooking techniques and ways to be creative. On the last day, students will get the opportunity to compete in our own version of CHOPPED where creativity is key! In this class, the kitchen is our lab!

A Taste of Spanish and Latin American Food and Culture

Instructors: Ms. Yanez Dates: 5/28 - 5/31, 2019 Total Cost: $250 - $300 Enrollment Limit: 13 Students

Description: In this course students will have the opportunity to learn about and experience the food and Culture of Spain and Latin America by visiting different restaurants in different neighborhoods around the city. Students will try a variety of menu items typical from various Spanish Speaking Countries. Students will also engage in the culture of these countries through the use of media, food, discussion, art projects, and games. Cultural center and museum visits will also be scheduled to further enhance the cultural and historical understanding of the Spanish Speaking countries.

Tier IV Courses Holiday Baking Your Family’s Story Body, Mind, Soul The Ins and Outs of the College Admissions & Selection Process Escape Rooms, Puzzles and Games Culinary Arts

Holiday Baking Instructors: Mrs. Palmer, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Pangrazio and Ms. Smialek Dates: Various days throughout the year Total Cost: $50 - $100 Enrollment Limit: 40 students

Description: This course will teach students how to bake and decorate holiday treats. The holidays we will be focusing on are Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. Each holiday we will make various treats like cupcakes, cookies, cakes, etc. This course will be held at St. Rita High School.

Your Family’s Story Instructors: Mrs. Kurnat and Mr. Harrington Dates: End of Second Semester Total Cost $100.00 Enrollment Limit: 20 Students

Description: This course will provide students with the basic tools and resources to begin to trace their family genealogy. At least two trips will be taken to the National Archives, learning how to research and gather documents about their family members.

Other time will be spent discovering sites to broaden the investigation of their family’s story.

As a capstone to the experience of researching and organizing, your pictures, documents and information will be pulled together into a bound book designed by the student.

This course will be held at St. Rita High School.

Body, Mind, Soul Instructors: Mrs. Scaduto, Mr. Partacz and Mr. Johnson Dates: TBD Total Cost: $50 - $60 Enrollment Limit: 30 Students

Description: This course will allow students to see and experience various aspects of health and nutrition. Students will attend a spin class, yoga, weight training and speak with professionals about nutrition and staying healthy.

Students will also take a tour of the Ronald McDonald House located in Oak Lawn, and volunteer for the “Meals from the Heart”. The students will purchase the ingredients to make lunch for all of the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, cook on site, and then serve the families lunch while sitting down and getting to talk.

The Ins and Outs of the College Admissions and Selection Process Instructors: Mrs. Nagel, Mr. Hagen and Mrs. McGlynn Dates: May 28 - 31, 2019 Total Cost: $25 - $50 Enrollment Limit: 30

Description: In this course, students will be presented with a thorough overview of the college selection and admission process. The course will include a college essay writing workshop, presentations by admission representatives of various colleges and universities, sample applications, career options in relation to college majors, optimizing the career and college search program, Naviance Student, ways to make college affordable, and how students increase their probability of being admitted to the college of their choice. By the end of this course, you will develop a vision of the colleges/universities that align with your ideal academic, social, geographic, and financial fit, and gain a strong understanding of their admission requirements and policies.

Escape Rooms, Puzzles and Games ​ Instructor: Ms. Maikisch Dates: 5/28 - 5/31, 2019 Total Cost: $160 - $230 Enrollment Limit: 20 Students

Description: In this course, we will use everything from logic puzzles and various interactive board games to improve critical thinking skills. There will also be a trip to three different escape rooms in the Chicagoland area to practice those skills as well as allow the students to learn to work as a team to solve puzzles. Either between or after the escape rooms, we will go out to eat to discuss what they learned from the experience.

Culinary Arts Instructor: Fr. Paul Galetto, OSA Dates: 5/28 - 6/3, 2019 Total Cost: $0 Enrollment Limit: 10

Description: The purpose of this course is to give students a life-long skill so that they can prepare food in a healthy environment and learn the basics of running a small kitchen. The course will end with a dinner that the students will prepare for their parents.

Athletic Trips / Mini-mesters Combined

Varsity Baseball in Las Vegas Instructors: Mr. Nee, Mr. Fiore, Mr. JJ Standring, and Mr. Josepher Dates: April 14 - 19, 2019 Total Cost: $800.00 - $1000.00

Description: The varsity baseball team has been invited to participate in the inaugural AAC (All-American Catholic) tournament at Bishop Gorman H.S. in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tournament in hosted by USA Baseball and will provide an opportunity for our players to play against some of the top players in the country from exclusively private schools in front of a host of college and professional scouts. The team will get a behind-the-scenes tour of a Las Vegas Casino while experiencing many other sites in the Las Vegas area, including touring the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

The team will be accompanied by the coaching staff, including: Head Coach John Nee and long-time assistants Vince Fiore, Rich Josepher and JJ Standring.

For more information please contact Mr. Nee at [email protected].

Varsity Basketball in Anchorage, Alaska Instructors: Mr. DeCesare, Mr. Terrell, Mr. Rappold Dates: January 23 - 27, 2019 Total Cost: TBD

Description: The varsity basketball team has been invited to participate in the Alaska Airlines Classic. In addition to this, the team will visit West Anchorage High School and shadow students throughout the school day. The team will also have the opportunity to experience Alaskan wildlife, spectacular mountain vistas, fascinating cultures, icy blue glaciers, dog sledding, various museums and cultural centers.

For more information please contact Mr. DeCesare at [email protected]. ​ ​

Spring Football Experience Instructors: Mr. Kuska, Mr. O’Sullivan, Mr. Coughlan Dates: TBD Total Cost: $60.00 Enrollment Limit: 30 Students

Description: Students will be introduced to the world of coaching football through the attendance of college spring practices and meetings. Students will have the opportunity to attend practices, interact with coaches and players as well as possibly meet with the team managers. Students will be able to see the work that goes on behind the scenes in the sporting world. Students will observe that there is much more to be done than to simply plan one practice. Students may also have the opportunity to speak with the Academic Advisers to the athletes to see what the athletes have as resources to help them in their studies.