Alexa D’Ambrosio ’17 Sonam Saxena ’17: With collaboration among the math department and the Middle and Upper school faculty, students are given the opportunity to take part in “accelerated” math courses, above their grade levels. After speaking with Dr. Goebeler, member of the math department, Scholium learned about the advanced math placement system and the hopes of the faculty involved. “I would love to see EA known as the best math program ever,” Goebeler noted. “When people think of a flexible, challenging math program, they should think of EA.” The faculty has also made it a key objective to give students an education in which…
Author: TECHALERT
Alexa D’Ambrosio ’17 Sonam Saxena ’17: With collaboration among the math department and the Middle and Upper school faculty, students are given the opportunity to take part in “accelerated” math courses, above their grade levels. After speaking with Dr. Goebeler, member of the math department, Scholium learned about the advanced math placement system and the hopes of the faculty involved. “I would love to see EA known as the best math program ever,” Goebeler noted. “When people think of a flexible, challenging math program, they should think of EA.” The faculty has also made it a key objective to give students an education in which…
Becca Archambault ’16 Claudia Teti ’16: With the start of another school year at the Episcopal Academy comes the inevitable stress of tests, quizzes, and exams. But, for some students, extended time is able to lessen this stress just a bit. In an environment as competitive and challenging as Episcopal’s, extended time on tests and exams is becoming increasingly common. But what really is the purpose of extra time? Alyson Kurz, EA’s new learning specialist clarifies that “it levels the playing field so that students have the same chance to demonstrate their knowledge as others.” The process of obtaining extra time…
Wilson Smerconish ’16: If you see Steve Musacchio working out and wonder what music is pumping through his headphones, chances are he’s listening to Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down, Three Days Grace, or Chevelle. “I like hard rock and stuff from my high school and college days from late 90‘s and early 2000‘s,” explained EA’s strength and conditioning coach. Mussachio came to EA after his time at Summit Sports Training Center in Villanova. Summit was under contract to help EA with its fitness program. With a Masters of Science in Exercise and Sport Physiology from West Chester University…
Lauren Repke ’15: As part of its annual admission conference, The Episcopal Academy admissions office volunteered at Philabundance this fall for a community service project. Admissions professionals from independent schools all over the country meet once a year for a large conference held by the Secondary School Admission Test Board. According to Rachel Tilney, head of admissions, “there were over 600 admission professionals from schools across the country, Canada and other countries. This conference is a great opportunity for us to connect with our colleagues at other schools to share ideas.” As a tradition, the day before the conference, admissions officers…
Roshan Ravishankar ’14: Philadelhpia Mayor Michael Nutter recently announced that Philadelphia’s bike share program is set to launch for the summer of 2014. Philadelphia will soon join other major cities such as Boston, New York, and Chicago, which have launched bike share programs in the last two years. With this program, both residents and visitors in Philadelphia will be able to rent bikes for short distance trips within the city. Customers can choose daily, weekly, or yearly passes, the latter of which is designed to be cheaper than a yearly bicycle tune-up. Bike sharing is slowly growing popular in American cities,…
Sam Niu ’15: As the school year welcomes a host of new clubs, one that is certain to gain much interest is the newly formed Young Independents club, which joined the Young Republicans and and Young Democrats as the third of EA’s political clubs. Cheryl Mitchell, Upper School Biology teacher, and Bryan McDermott, Upper School Physics teacher, are the faculty advisors for the Young Independents and are both registered Independent voters. Mitchell explains that the pair “thought it would be nice if students had an alternative option to a political club, so that in addition to Young Republicans and Young Democrats,…
Eunice Ju ’15: Built on the 400 acre neighboring DuPont estate, the Toll Brothers’ newest Liseter brand homes – the “Newtown Square Collection” in the making – has opened right down the road. Located at Goshen Road and Route 252, Liseter may have major impacts on the Episcopal Academy community. Toll Brothers is a nationwide home construction and design company that has been acknowledged as the 2012 Builder of the Year by Professional Builder magazine. Newtown Township Manager Mike Trio stated that the property, now owned by the Rouse Group, “has partnered up with [the Toll Brothers]… to construct Ashford” which…
Isabella Sanchez ’16: The Episcopal Academy Middle and Upper school has recently set forward a new student support system and hired Dr. Nicole Chaikin as the school’s psychologist. Previously, two school psychologists were present but held only part time positions in their respective sections, rarely interacting. After the realization that this may not be enough to meet student needs, EA has set in place a new program. After a lengthy six month process to find the right person, Episcopal made a decision. Dr. Cathy Hall, Assistant Head of School, identified Chaikin as the right person for the role because of, “her very engaging personality, energy, and great warmth.” Chaikin received her bachelors from Clark university and continued her…
Isabella Sanchez ’16: The Episcopal Academy Middle and Upper school has recently set forward a new student support system and hired Dr. Nicole Chaikin as the school’s psychologist. Previously, two school psychologists were present but held only part time positions in their respective sections, rarely interacting. After the realization that this may not be enough to meet student needs, EA has set in place a new program. After a lengthy six month process to find the right person, Episcopal made a decision. Dr. Cathy Hall, Assistant Head of School, identified Chaikin as the right person for the role because of, “her very engaging personality, energy, and great warmth.” Chaikin received her bachelors from Clark university and continued her…
DISCUSSING PLANS: Lo-Lo Lomax and Sam Willis discuss Peace and Diversity Day. Photo Courtesy of Julia Thompson ’16Grant Plotkin ’16, Christina Chambers ’16: The Episcopal Academy Upper School is set to hold its first Peace and Diversity day on February 20th, to promote greater awareness and discussion about diversity. The organization for the day is entirely student-driven, involving groups such as Diversity Awareness Club and Affinity Tables. When asked about the new program, Lo-Lo Lomax ’14, the main leader and proponent for the Peace and Diversity Day, explained, “Diversity Day isjustadayforustomake students more aware about diversity in the school and in the…
Athletics have and will al- ways be a primary generator of school spirit and enthusiasm. Although Episcopal students prioritize academics, intellec- tual rigor is not something that can really bring the commu- nity together. Arts deserve just as much respect and support as athletics, but don’t gener- ally create the group experience of triumph over rival schools. And with all due respect to ev- ery other sport, it is obvious that the school tends to rally around the football program. Ever since the installation of sports across the US, football has been the most attractive event for spectators. Although baseball…
Amanda Paolino’15, Cole Testaiuti ’16: In an effort to ease the process of back-to- school uniform shopping, Episcopal has decided to switch clothing providers from Flynn & O’Hara to Lands’ End. Although not strikingly evident at a glance, the uniform itself will undergo a few minor changes as a result of the switch. Sarah Baker, VI Form Dean and overseer of the process, indicated that, “the customer service at Lands’ End is top notch.” The higher quality of service, she explained, was the primary reason for the switch. “With Flynn & O’Hara, customers were previously unable to view or order uniforms…
Amanda Paolino’15, Cole Testaiuti ’16: In an effort to ease the process of back-to- school uniform shopping, Episcopal has decided to switch clothing providers from Flynn & O’Hara to Lands’ End. Although not strikingly evident at a glance, the uniform itself will undergo a few minor changes as a result of the switch. Sarah Baker, VI Form Dean and overseer of the process, indicated that, “the customer service at Lands’ End is top notch.” The higher quality of service, she explained, was the primary reason for the switch. “With Flynn & O’Hara, customers were previously unable to view or order uniforms…
Courtney Carpinello ’15, Amanda Molitor ’14: The Crawford Campus Center Gallery has made plans to integrate several additional student exhibitions as well as shows by outside professionals for the new school year. Susan Coote, Episcopal parent and coordinator for the gallery, specifically hopes to continue the program of having academic departments create material for the gallery. “Last year, we worked with the English department and did a project with words. This year, we want to do a similar thing with the science department.” Coote added that, “I think it is my overall vision to continue to get students and different departments…
Courtney Carpinello ’15, Amanda Molitor ’14: The Crawford Campus Center Gallery has made plans to integrate several additional student exhibitions as well as shows by outside professionals for the new school year. Susan Coote, Episcopal parent and coordinator for the gallery, specifically hopes to continue the program of having academic departments create material for the gallery. “Last year, we worked with the English department and did a project with words. This year, we want to do a similar thing with the science department.” Coote added that, “I think it is my overall vision to continue to get students and different departments…
Connor Martin ’14: Episcopal football faces a daunting task. Not only have the defending champions lost a significant amount of leadership and talent, many of whom are collegiate level athletes such as Inter-Ac player of the year and Penn Quaker Adam Strouss ‘13, but the team also has a bigger target on its back as opponents are more focused and determined to beat the best. When asked about being compared to last year’s squad, Captain Evan Butts ‘14 stated, “We try not to bring up last year too much. We’ve kind of moved on and turned the page. New year, new team,…
Connor Martin ’14: Episcopal football faces a daunting task. Not only have the defending champions lost a significant amount of leadership and talent, many of whom are collegiate level athletes such as Inter-Ac player of the year and Penn Quaker Adam Strouss ‘13, but the team also has a bigger target on its back as opponents are more focused and determined to beat the best. When asked about being compared to last year’s squad, Captain Evan Butts ‘14 stated, “We try not to bring up last year too much. We’ve kind of moved on and turned the page. New year, new team,…
Katie O’Reilly ’14: Episcopal recently suffered tragedy and great loss. However, we must use all the power possible to remember and promote events that honor the lives of members of this community who we have lost. Events such as Michelle’s Miles undoubtedly keep these beloved students’ memories alive and support the community as we grieve together alongside their individual families. This October will mark the sixth annual Michelle’s Miles event. The race commemorates the life of Michelle Bradley Deasey, a member of the Class of 2017 who sadly died in December 2007 at the age of eight. Runners, walkers, and spectators…
Alli Camp ’14, Alex Archambault ’14: As the 2013-2014 school year commences it is evident that the Episcopal Academy has entered a new era. While there is a plethora of new teachers and new students, the most obvious change is the new trio in the highest administration positions, Dr. T.J. Locke, Dr. Catherine Hall, and Dr. Delvin Dinkins. With Dr. Locke as the new head of school, Dr. Hall as the new assistant head of school, and Dr. Dinkins as the new head of Upper School, one would think the school might be in a rocky position but all three seem very optimistic…