Annual Report September 1, 2019 - August 31, 2020 Welcome from the Principal
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ANNUAL REPORT SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 - AUGUST 31, 2020 WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Alumnae, Family and Friends, As the first students to celebrate Graduation virtually, the Class of 2020 not only distinguished themselves academically, but also provided a lasting record of their resilience and courage as women of faith. Through Prayer, Study, Service and Community, our students embody the profile of an Aquinas Graduate: to lead, to advocate, to empower, and to treasure lasting relationships. In this report, we commend the Class of 2020: 9 AP Scholars 2 AP Scholars with Honors 5 Presidential Educational Excellence Awards 10 Presidential Outstanding Achievement Awards Mark A. Shultz 41 students earning a cumulative GPA of 80% or higher Aquinas Principal Receiving upwards of $10 million in grants and scholarships Completed more than 5,000 hours of community service While the listing of college acceptances, scholarships and grants are impressive, the consistent commitment and dedication of our entire Aquinas family are the main reasons for our success. Throughout these challenging times, we share building space and faculty-staff resources with Cardinal McCloskey Community Charter School (Grades K - 2). The opportunity to see others use our cafeteria, gym, and classrooms reminds us of the magnificence of our learning environment. What beautiful facilities! Once the DOH allows us to open these hallowed halls to visitors, you will receive an invitation to see your alma mater again. In the meantime, please check out our online bookstore filled with Aquinas apparel and memorabilia. Like many organizations, “Breakthrough New York,” who provides educational support during the summer and after school during the year to low-income middle schoolers, has chosen remote learning rather than our campus until further notice. The goal of BTNY is to create leaders who break the cycle of poverty in their families and effect positive change in their communities. The Aquinas Community treasures its relationship with BTNY. “Matter of Sports,” Bronx Community Athletic League has been cleared to return and use our open gym once/week to develop the athletic skills of local high school students, highlighting again our presence in this ever-changing diverse community. Directed by local police, like Aquinas, MOS serves as a symbol of inclusiveness and service. These and other valued relationships are at the heart of our Aquinas mission. With your continued generosity, Aquinas High School will always be an exemplary model of Dominican Values in the Bronx. Respectfully, Mark A. Shultz Aquinas Principal 2 AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 - HIGHLIGHTS 9 2 5 AP Scholars AP Scholars Presidential With Honors Educational Excellence10 AwardsPresidential Outstanding Achievement Award 5,OOO 10 HOURS Presidential Completed More Outstanding Than 5,000 Hours of Achievement Community Service Awards Receiving Upwards of Students Earning a Cumulative $10 Million GPA of 80% In Grants and or Higher Scholarships The young woman who earns an Aquinas High School diploma is a lifelong member of the community of faith and learning that has nurtured her for four years. ANNUAL REPORT SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 - AUGUST 31, 2020 3 CLASS OF 2020 - HIGHLIGHTS (CONTINUED) LIST OF COLLEGES/ UNIVERSITIES Barnard College Marist College College of Westchester Mercy College Culinary Institute of America Molly College CUNY City College* Monroe Community College CUNY Hunter* New York University CUNY John Jay* St. Thomas Aquinas College CUNY Lehman* St. John’s University CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College* *SUNY University of Buffalo CUNY College of Staten Island* *SUNY Westchester Community College CUNY Hostos* *SUNY Buffalo State CUNY Hunter* *SUNY Morrisville CUNY York* *SUNY New Paltz Delaware State *SUNY Oneonta Dominican College *SUNY Potsdam Gutman Community College The College of Mount Saint Vincent Iona College University of Dayton Manhattanville College Villanova University *SUNY - State University of New York CUNY - City University of New York* The Aquinas graduate believes in herself and realizes that women’s strengths have a vital role to play in every sphere of life today: domestic, economic and political. 4 AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SPARKILL Dear Alumnae, Family and Friends, I must admit that I remember very little from my graduation; I also admit it was a very long time ago, so maybe that is why. However, I believe that no one will ever forget the Aquinas class of 2020. I attended the graduation (virtually) and was so proud, so grateful, so appreciative of the young women who graduated and the administration, faculty and staff who made it happen. It was unique and I think will not be forgotten. When the graduating seniors were in ninth grade, I had the pleasure, honor of leading their retreat. One thing we reflected on was “why were they young women at Aquinas”. Ninth graders in every school would have the same subjects, many of the same activities, the same goals and many of the same challenges. But Sister Eileen Gannon they were Aquinites. Their experience would be unique to them, President, Aquinas Board of the friends they would make, the teachers they would meet, their Trustees achievements, their challenges, their service to others would combine to be the experience of a community of “faith and learning.” In the Wizard of Oz, the three traveling with Dorothy are searching for courage, for a heart and a brain. Their journey is successful as they reach the end, braver, smarter and with a heart full of love. This is my hope, and I believe this hope is well founded, that our young women are certainly academically successful, have the courage to face whatever challenges await them, but do so with a heart for those close to them and for the wider world where need and challenge meet daily. I know our world will be better because it is home to our graduates. May God continue to bless each of you, President, Aquinas Board of Trustees ANNUAL REPORT SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 - AUGUST 31, 2020 5 COVID-19 A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER MARCH 11-13 Major Event Cancellations • The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends avoiding travel and large gatherings. • Sporting events begin to shut down A family of viruses known as the as the National Basketball Association coronavirus caused sicknesses suspends games. Other sport organizations are soon to follow. raging from the common cold Festivals and concerts are also put to more severe diseases such on hold. as SARS., MERS and COVID-19, • Multiple Universities across the which was first identified in country announce they are moving to online teaching. Wuhan, China. Symptoms included fever, cough and trouble breathing. Most developed only mild symptoms, but some people, usually those with other medical conditions, developed more severe symptoms, which were sometimes fatal. JANUARY 11-21 MARCH 6-8 MARCH 13-16 First US Case of Covid-19 World Health Organization Remote Learning Begins • China declares first death from Declares Pandemic • Students and Faculty members seamlessly COVID-19. • In a nationally televised address, transitioned to Remote Learning through Google’s educational platforms and FACTS • Washington state announces President Donald Trump announces Management systems while providing first confirmed case in the a temporary ban on travel from Chromebooks to any student in need. United States while Chinese Europe after a surge of cases were officials close off Wuhan, China confirmed in Italy. Coronavirus is • With uncertainty of when in-person (population of more than 11 officially declared a pandemic in the learning will return, school leaders million people). United States. participated in professional development • The United States Congress receives workshops, brainstorm focused meetings, a request of $1.25 Billion in response and monitored the virus daily to create a to coronavirus. safe reopening plan. 6 AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL MAY 1 JUNE 20 NOVEMBER 3-7 Closed Through June Aquinas to Close June 2021 President Election 2020 • New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo • Due to the financial crisis of • Major news platforms project Joseph announced that all schools in the state COVID-19, Aquinas High School Biden as the 46th President-Elect — no matter whether they are public will close its doors June 2021- making Kamala Harris the Vice or private, on any level — will remain graduating its final class. President- Elect. Kamala Harris will closed for the rest of the academic serve as the first Woman, African- • Approximately 60 students year. The decision affects four million American, and Asian-American Vice remain at the school and will students and their families who had President of the United States. participate in a hybrid learning been awaiting a decision for weeks. model in the Fall. • Activities, events, and whole school gatherings go virtual (i.e. Holy Liturgy, Netflix Movie Night, Trivia and Happy Hour Bingo for Faculty & Staff). JUNE 4 SEPTEMBER 9 Virtual Graduation 2020 Hybrid Learning Begins • For the first time in Aquinas High • After a deep cleaning and some School’s history, Prom and Graduation logistical changes, Aquinas will open for the Class of 2020 has been canceled. to students on a hybrid learning A virtual graduation was put together to model. This allows students to honor the graduates and recognize their participate in group learning with no achievements. more than 12 students per classroom. • On the night of June 4th, students and • Faculty prepare a great deal to teach their families gather in the comfort of both in-person and online. their homes to view a pre-recorded Liturgy and graduation ceremony presented through Zoom. ANNUAL REPORT SEPTEMBER 1, 2019 - AUGUST 31, 2020 7 EXCELLING THROUGH A PANDEMIC: HENRY TRIANA, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Aquinas High School has the unique task of streaming platform and participate with hybrid and reopening during a pandemic, while preparing to remote learners. Hybrid learners participate in live close by the end of the 2020-2021 school year.