Traditions

iLike my iPad - Caroline Stephens (‘17)
There’s no denying it – iPads are here to stay. From kindergarten through college, teachers are using iPads
to deliver instruction and engage students for learning in the 21st century. The faculty at St. Mary’s has
jumped on this technology wave and uses this new versatile tool to change the way they teach. Some of the
most innovative instructional software is being developed specifically for iPads and with more than 15,000
educational apps available through Apple’s app store, teachers will have no trouble finding material to use
in the classroom.
Our English Department Chair, Mrs. Gillespie, enjoys using her iPad to connect with other teachers and
having limitless resources for engaging and assessing students. “The iPad has allowed me to better attend
to the learning needs of my visual and auditory learners. I can direct them to specific sites that help them
grasp concepts and strengthen skill sets. This intervention is immediate and helps students to understand
that technology is not just for entertainment, but for growth and progress,” said Mrs. Gillespie.
Every student at St. Mary’s is required to purchase an iPad for school. Although this purchase can be
quite expensive for families, the educational benefits outweigh the cost. Students can access information
quickly, cutting down on research time. Mrs. Kozina, our religion teacher, said, “I enjoy being able to have
students get information instantly. No need to wait for answers.” Mrs. Kozina allowed her students to use
the iPad to follow the Pope during his U.S. visit.
For the students, it has been great. The iPad fits our lifestyle. It’s easier to use than the traditional computer
and this new novelty lends itself to our curiousity and more learning. Junior Will Ramirez uses his iPad the
most in Physics. He likes using the tablet to do calculations and take notes. It helps with homework and
checking answers. Will also commented, “I don’t have to go to my locker as much now and I feel more
organized for school.”
Senior Mi’cole Cayton uses her iPad the most in English Literature. “The iPad makes it so much easier to
take your Membean quizzes because you can access the quiz from class and don’t have to worry about
missing the deadline,” said Mi’Cole.
CROP
This summer we have been busy with
the CROP garden. We have provided
Catholic Charities with zucchini,
bottleneck squash, green and yellow
beans, carrots, beets, eggplant,
tomatoes, bell peppers, and persimmons
on a weekly basis. We have had a very
good harvest!
And let’s not forget about our environment. The iPad is a paperless innovation. From homework, tests and
digital textbooks, the iPad eliminates paper, saving dollars and our environment. Don’t believe me? Check
it out, there’s an app for that.
*Visit http://www.saintmaryshighschool.org/Media/Kettle.pdf to read our online student newspaper, the
Kettle, and learn more about our students’ points of view.
MURAL
Beginning in late April of this year, students from the
St. Francis de Sales Club initiated an idea to paint
a mural surrounding the Campus Ministry Office.
They took their ideas to art teacher, Mrs. Jean
Aguilar, and soon their wish to honor St. Francis
de Sales in a painting was born. With the help of
Mrs. Aguilar and their club moderators, Mrs. Eileen
Yeager and Mr. Harrison Brehm, a collection of
talented club members and some of Mrs. Aguilar’s
art students banded together through July, logging
in many hours to complete.
CHOIR-BAND
Last April, Mr. David Tanner’s music department
took home two Gold Awards at the 2015 Forum
Music Festival. Both the Prima Voce Choir and
Symphonic Band competed and ranked in the
top 10% on a national scale. This spring, Mr.
Tanner looks forward to his students competing
in the Heritage Music Festival in Los Angeles and
the Forum Music Festival in Santa Cruz. Good
luck to our music department!
Seventh and Eighth grade students who are
interested in applying to St. Mary’s are welcome
to spend a day with a freshman student who will
serve as the visitor’s personal guide for the day.
To arrange a shadow experience, please contact
shadowaram@saintmaryshighschool.org
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