Classical Education, Catholic Formation

LA ETA RE
Regina Coeli Academy
Classical Education, Catholic Formation
www.reginacoeliacademy.com
FROM THE HEADMASTER
Fall, 2013
Classical Education Comes to Abington, PA
Faculty Summer
Enrichment Brings
Education Treasures to
Students in New
School Year
We are thrilled at Regina Coeli Academy to have completed the first year at our Abington
location, adjacent to Our Lady Help of Christians Church! As I reflect back on the
monumental task of moving from Wyndmoor during the summer of 2012, I am grateful to
God for his provision and faithfulness. We have been blessed in many ways with this move. We
now have Mass celebrated for the students twice a week, we have a wonderful gym and a
beautiful library for the children. Thank you to all who helped make our first year in Abington,
and tenth year a blessing and a success.
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As we enter the 2013-14 school year and continue to grow, along with our two sister schools –
Regina Angelorum in Ardmore and Regina Luminis in Downingtown – it is important to
remind those in our greater community about the distinctive features of a classical education.
Dr. Andrew Seeley from Thomas Aquinas College, recently wrote an article for the journal
First Things, entitled “A Case for Classical Education”. In this article he discusses how an
increasing number of Catholic parents are choosing public schools for their children over the
parish/regional Catholic school. However, another option has emerged over the last twenty to
thirty years, as hundreds of independent schools (both Protestant and Catholic) have popped
up across the country, implementing a classical liberal arts curriculum. Seeley states, “These
parents, who have chosen ‘the road less traveled’, have not settled for merely passing on
catechesis.”
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Many classical schools reference Dorothy Sayers’ 1947 essay “The Lost Tools of Learning”, in
which she connects the study of the trivium (grammar, logic and rhetoric) with the age
appropriate developmental stages of learning. Sayers claims that the great defect of modern
education is "that although we often succeed in teaching our pupils 'subjects', we fail
lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think: they learn everything, except the art
of learning." Common Core has co-opted many of these phrases but in practice they have
taken on a different meaning with secular definitions and age inappropriate applications at the
expense of building a foundation in the child's early years.
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continued on next page...
1525 Marian Road • Abington, PA
It was a busy summer for RCA
faculty taking full advantage of
the summer months for
enrichment. Some highlights are
listed below:
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PreKindergarten teacher, Mrs.
Cathy Collis furthered her
education by taking several
courses for a 3-6 year old
Montessori certification program,
through the North American
Montessori Center.
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Music teacher, Miss Cathryn
Fassbender took two classes, as
she continues to pursue her
Master's Degree in Music
Education and Vocal
Performance at West Chester
University.
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Mr. Joe Austin, Mrs. Sharon
Bellitto and Miss Caeli Beckert
attended a classical Catholic
schools conference July 11-14,
run by Dr. Andrew Seeley from
Thomas Aquinas College. !
All of the teachers returned
anxious to share the wealth of
their learning with the children of
RCA.
19001 • (215) 277-1386
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Classical Education Comes to Abington, PA Continued...
During the “grammar” years (kindergarten through fourth grade), children easily soak up knowledge. They memorize the
Baltimore Catechism, absorb facts like states and capitals, learn their grammar rules by singing jingles, classify different
parts of speech in a sentence, recite poetry, identify plants and animals, along with mastering their multiplication tables.
In the “logic” stage (fifth through eighth grade), when children naturally start asking lots of questions, we encourage debate
in the pursuit of truth. They think through arguments and learn how to propose and support a thesis. Students begin to
see how facts fit together and are able to make connections across the curriculum. When our fifth and sixth grade students
studied Ancient Greece last year in history, they also read The Children’s Homer and learned about the story of Odysseus. Reading Great Books set in the time period they are studying allows the history to come alive.
In the “rhetoric” stage (begun in seventh and eighth grade), students learn to express themselves with eloquence and
beauty. Our 7th-8th graders have a formal public speaking class. One highlight for our students is competing in the annual
declamation contest, where students memorize a classical piece of poetry or prose. One finalist this past year took on the
challenge of memorizing the entire Declaration of Independence. Dr. Seeley explains that “the goal is to develop those
abilities that will make life-long learning a reality.”
While independent classical schools were originally considered outsiders to those in Catholic education, their achievements
are changing many minds. For example, in 2012-13, six of the nation’s top fifty Catholic high schools were independent
classical schools. Another great success story is St. Jerome’s parish school in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. who, after
struggling with declining enrollment and increasing debt, has gained national attention for adopting a classical curriculum
in 2009. Dr. Seeley highlights their transformation:
After the first year with the new approach, math and reading scores jumped. Disproving the notion that a classical
curriculum is elitist, many students who previously struggled found motivation and success through the rich content and
lively discussions that required them to think deeply… As public education moves toward nationally accepted common
core standards, [St. Jerome’s Principal Mary Pat] Donoghue insists that the Church has an opportunity to move in a
different direction and resist the pressure to conform to decidedly secular content and pedagogy. Classical Catholic schools
have made a conscious choice, not to turn back to the past, but to draw upon the riches of tradition to help children
understand who they are in the modern world.
Students, parents, and teachers here at Regina Coeli Academy, and at classical schools across the country, can joyfully attest
to the good fruits of a classical education.
In Gratitude, Fr. Anthony Janton
As Regina Coeli Academy enters its second year in its new, Abington campus, it is only fitting to
publicly say, “thank you” to Fr. Anthony Janton, Pastor, Our Lady Help of Christians parish. The
decision to relocate Regina Coeli Academy was a major decision in the history of the academy.
However, like every other major decision made by Regina Coeli Academy, the wisdom of the Holy
Spirit and guidance of our patroness and protectress, Mary provided the confidence that the
decision was the right decision for the growth of the school.
Upon arriving in Abington, there was no doubt the decision was the right decision. With open arms
and an open heart, Fr. Janton received Regina Coeli Academy as it made its move from Wyndmoor to his parish, Our Lady Help
of Christians. Fr. Janton, couldn't have been more accommodating or helpful with the myriad of details, even with his busy
schedule. His help made this wonderful move happen with ease. In very short order, the move was complete and the students
began their new school year excited about the expanded facilities, including the beautiful library and wonderful neighborhood
surroundings.
For all your help, Father and the warm welcome by you and your parish, the staff, faculty, students, families and the Board of
Directors are very grateful. May Mary, Queen of Heaven (Regina Coeli) and Our Lady, Help of Christians continue to watch
over you and your parish.
1525 Marian Road • Abington, PA
19001 • (215) 277-1386
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Celebrating 10 Years...
Ten years ago the dreams of founding a local school on the principles and curriculum
that educated not just many of America’s great leaders, but the world’s became a reality.
Classical Education with Catholic Formation is education at its finest. It is the education
that gives children the opportunity to be "free" – free to think and grow in a deep, loving
relationship with God, while developing a love of learning. The courses offered provide
the students with the tools for learning to enable them as they go through the Trivium
(grammar, logic, and rhetoric), to acquire knowledge and critical thinking skills,
developing them into life long learners and impacting them as future leaders.
Regina Coeli Academy students continue to excel scholastically, once again scoring in the
top 3% in the National Iowa tests with most students scoring at least 1-2 grades above their
grade level. Many students have received national honors in Latin. All have all been accepted to the high schools of their
choice, many receiving advanced placement and scholarships. The success of Regina Coeli Academy brought forth two
sister academies, Regina Angelorum Academy and Regina Luminis Academy, geographically located in the Philadelphia
region. Today, all three schools are thriving.
Crossing the ten year threshold is a very important milestone in the history of Regina Coeli Academy. It would not have
been possible without the financial, physical and spiritual investment of its generous benefactors to whom the entire
Regina Coeli Academy community is exceedingly grateful. More and more, schools are learning what Regina Coeli
Academy’s founders knew all along, classically educated children are amongst the highest achieving students anywhere.
Regina Coeli Academy is now on Facebook!
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You now have one more way to keep up with all of the great things happening at RCA. Regina
Coeli Academy has expanded its web presence to Facebook. The new Facebook page provides
Regina Coeli Academy with an engaging platform to keep you posted about “RCA” news, events
and activities. The same event information found on our web site will also be available on the
Facebook Page. Show your support and “Like” the RCA page today! – Visit our Facebook
1525 Marian Road • Abington, PA
19001 • (215) 277-1386
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In Memoriam, C. Clark Hodgson, Great Books, Latin Teacher
Very often, people ask the question “Why RCA”. There are many
answers that range from the small class sizes, the Catholic faith
formation, how the children are challenged to academic excellence and
the “classical” curriculum. Without a doubt, one of the biggest reasons
why Regina Coeli Academy is so great, is because it has been blessed
with very special teachers.
One of those teachers was C. Clark Hodgson who taught Latin and
Great Books to 7th and 8th graders. Mr. Hodgson not only loved
teaching, he truly loved teaching the students at RCA. Sitting in on one
of his "Great Books" classes made you wish you were back in school as
a student in his class.
It was a gift to watch him interact with the students. He had an
amazing ability to guide the students to think more critically. The
students displayed an incredible level of enthusiasm during his
discussions and left his classes wanting more.
During the Great Books classes, Mr. Hodgson never shared his own
personal thoughts. Rather he inspired and motivated each student to
reach their own conclusions (as is the purpose of a Great Books
discussion). Each class was exciting to be a part of. It was obvious that
his students felt the same way about Mr. Hodgson as he felt about
them.
As a Latin teacher, Mr. Hodgson’s students won national Latin awards
throughout his teaching years at Regina Coeli Academy. The highlight of his career at Regina Coeli Academy came this
past spring when a section of the school library was dedicated in his name for the Great Books.
Following Mr. Hodgson’s death in April, Regina Coeli Academy students conceived the idea of hosting a “student run”
talent show fund raiser in his honor with the proceeds designated for the Fox Chase Cancer Center. The talent show was a
tremendous success. On July 25, Headmaster, Joe Austin, along with student talent show organizers presented a check for
$600 to Ms. Wanda Ford, Special Events Assistant, Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Some people come into our lives and we are never the same. This is no different for the students taught by Mr. Hodgson.
They were given a gift – a gift of a loving, dedicated teacher who left them wanting to learn more, how to think and make
judgments. This is a gift that they will keep forever. Thank you Mr. Hodgson, you have been a "gift" to all of us into whose
life you came.
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1525 Marian Road • Abington, PA
19001 • (215) 277-1386
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from the cover, You Speak Greek - You Just Don't Know It
by Annie Stefanidou
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Regina Coeli Academy teaches Greek in 7th & 8th
grades
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“Vatican Express” Vacation Bible Camp - Faith-Filled Fun
This year’s summer camp, themed The Vatican Express Vacation Bible Camp was a huge success with the children. The program
ran from June 24th-June 28th. Children had a lot of fun learning and playing in programs centered around daily themes of the
program in the “Year of Faith”. Lessons included topics such as: The Universal Church, Papal Succession, Vatican Treasures, the
Eucharist and Being a Missionary. The children had a wonderful time participating in a variety of drama skits, singing, role
playing, games, and Bible verse memory activities.
1525 Marian Road • Abington, PA
19001 • (215) 277-1386
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About Our Graduates…
Did you know the following all received a
Classical Education?
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One of the primary goals of the classical liberal arts
curriculum is to foster a love of learning – to teach the
student to become a “lifelong learner”. Regina Coeli
Academy students receive the gift of an education of the
whole student – one that is steeped in the richness of the
classical education, formed in the Catholic faith, with the
teachings of Christ at its core.
!Each graduate of Regina Coeli Academy has been
accepted into the High School of their choice; many have
received scholarships and/or been placed in accelerated
classes. Some of the high schools Regina Coeli Academy
have gone on to attend include: Bishop McDevitt High
School, Bishop Shanahan High School, Germantown
Academy, La Salle College High School, Malvern
Preparatory School, Mount St. Joseph Academy,
Nazareth Academy, Roman Catholic High School and St.
Basil Academy.
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Alumni Homecoming Party
Regina Coeli Academy graduates, mark your calendars.
Saturday, December 28, 2013, there will be a Alumni
Homecoming Party from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM in the Our
Lady Help of Christians church hall.
Start Planning Now
Attend the annual Regina Coeli Academy
Faith in the Future Breakfast, Spring 2014
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Aristotle, philosopher
Plato, philosopher
St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church
St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church
Christopher Columbus, explorer
Dwight D. Eisenhower, president, general
Johann Gutenberg, inventor of the printing press
William Shakespeare, playwright
Sir Isaac Newton, physicist, mathematician, astronomer
Founding Fathers of the United States of America
Patrick Henry, Attorney, Politician, Orator
Cardinal John Henry Newman
Emily Dickinson, poet
Albert Einstein, physicist
Nicolaus Copernicus, astronomer
Antonio Vivaldi, priest, composer, violinist
“I have often heard him say, that if he had to decide between the pleasure derived
from the classical education which his father had given him, and the estate left him,
he would decide in favor of the former.”
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-Thomas Jefferson’s Grandson To His Biographer, Dr. Henry Randall
COME to our next Open House
Sunday, November 10, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Open House sessions begin with a brief introduction of the
As Regina Coeli Academy continues to celebrate its tenth
school. Families, including children are invited to tour the
anniversary, it is very excited to announce that Mario Enzler,
school. Headmaster, Joe Austin then delivers a presentation
former Swiss Guard to Pope John Paul II will be our guest
about Classical Education. Open House concludes with a
speaker. Mr. Enzler is an authority on classical education
panel discussion, including testimonials from teachers, parents
and serves as the Headmaster at New England Classical
and Board members and question/answer session. We
Academy in New Hampshire. His stories as a Swiss Guard at encourage you tell others and to register for our November
the Vatican are riveting and will inspire us with his anecdotal 10th event or individual tours by calling: 215-277-1386.
witness of our soon to be Saint Pope John Paul. Mark your
calendar for Wednesday, April 9, 2014.
1525 Marian Road • Abington, PA
19001 • (215) 277-1386
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J O IN O UR MIS S IO N
Regina Coeli Academy is committed to forming the next generation of leaders-Catholic, Civic, Corporate, Family-whatever is God’s
calling. Through the time-tested Classical Liberal Arts curriculum, the groundwork is laid for a strong comprehensive, faith-based
education. This process of formation within the child stimulates the desire to learn and fosters the discernment of truth. We can’t do
it alone. Student Tuition covers less than half of total operating costs. We need mission partners who believe classically educated
children are the greatest hope to meet our country’s and families’ challenges. For more information about how you can partner with us
financially or with your time, please call our Headmaster, Joseph Austin at (215) 277-1386 or email: jaustin@reginacoeliacademy.com
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WOULD YOU RATHER PAY TAXES
OR
EDUCATE CHILDREN?
Your Corporation’s tax dollars
CAN GO STRAIGHT TO REGINA COELI ACADEMY
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Here is how a Business Taxpayer can donate its tax dollars to RCA!
1.
Donor obtains PA tax credit application (pdf) from:
http://tinyurl.com/RCA-EITC
2.
Donor fills it out and mails to PA – DCED
3.
Donor will receive letter from PA with tax credit approval.
4.
Donor, once approved, sends the check to a state approved
Scholarship Organization and designates Regina Coeli
Academy to be the recipient.
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5.
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The Scholarship Organization will send a receipt to the Donor
6.
Donor sends copy of receipt to PA to be flagged for EITC Tax
Credit.
7.
For additional information call Timothy Murnane at
215-277-1386
It is that simple!
Exert your civil rights and make your tax dollars count!
WAYS “YOU” CAN CONTRIBUTE
RCA “WISH LIST”
• $1,000 toward annual cost of living increases for
faculty salaries
• $1,000 for upgraded office computer and technology
equipment
• $500 for athletic equipment and sports camps
• $300 for audio-visual equipment upgrades for the
Forum & Technology Room
• $300 for bus rental for field trips • $250 for new Library books and reference materials
• $100 toward the faculty Christmas bonus fund
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• Volunteer your time and talents:
• Administrative office assistant
• Publicity assistant
• Library assistant
Scholarships & Financial Aid Available
Regina Coeli Academy is eager to accept families who are seeking the finest education for their children. Scholarship monies remain
available for new families interested in enrolling and in need of financial aid.
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With the economy still slow, this aid ensures parents seeking a most important and valued classical education remains affordable.
Information can be obtained by calling: (215) 277-1386.
1525 Marian Road • Abington, PA
19001 • (215) 277-1386
Non-Profit Organization
U. S. Postage Paid
Permit #2324
Abington, PA 19001
REG INA C O ELI A C A D EMY
1525 Marian Rd.
Abington, PA 19001
LA ETA RE
OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, November 10, 2013
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Please call to register: (215) 277 - 1386
Regina Coeli Academy
1525 Marian Rd.
Abington, PA 19001
info@reginacoeliacademy.com
www.WHYRCA.com
Upcoming Events:
Quizzo (Open to Public)
Saturday, November 9, 7:00 PM
Christmas Concert & Art Show
Friday, December 20, 7:00 PM
Declamation Contest
Friday, January 24, 7:00 PM
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