See more photos - BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE
Freshmen at Aquinas High School are building bridges to the future in a pre-engineering strand of the Initiative for Math and Science Careers, a three-year program funded by the William E. Simon Foundation. The bridge-building project is directed by Dr. John Cummins and Professor John Wolbeck of Orange Community College. The goal of the project is to have students experience not only the power of applied mathematics but also the intersection of math, physics and engineering. The bridge is a powerful example of how these various disciplines converge in the service of human needs.
The project began with an introduction to some of the factors involved in the construction of bridges: tension, compression, equilibrium, expansion, etc. Then students formed their own engineering companies and set about the tasks of design and construction. The culmination this semester will be a ‘bridge-breaking contest’ to determine and acclaim the strongest bridge.
The final phase of the project in the spring semester will be a class trip to Bear Mountain Bridge to see how its features illustrate the principles learned. Margarita Valencia, Class of 2011, says, "I love this project! Maybe I’ll be working with steel cables instead of popsicle sticks some day!"
The Aquinas Initiative for Math and Science Careers is designed to reach all class years and each level of achievement in math and science. Sophomores in Honors Chemistry will participate in a water filtration project directed by Manhattan College professors. Juniors will have the opportunity to ‘shadow’ for a day a mentor in a science/math related career of their choice. In addition to these enrichment strands, the grant provides for small grouping for advanced coursework in math, and for tutorial sessions to enhance performance on math and science regents exams.
The Simon Program has generated contagious enthusiasm for challenging subjects. It is a giant step forward in fostering math and science competence, confidence and career interests in the young women of Aquinas.
Spiritual Programs - Aquinites are invited to deepen their spirituality by reflecting on their uniqueness and dignity, the dignity of others and their responsibilities in the world created by God. An annual retreat for each student complements the religious education program. Gathering as a Community of Faith and Learning, the Liturgy is celebrated throughout the year: Mass of the Holy Spirit, Ring Day, Thanksgiving, Pre-Christmas and End of the Academic Year. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available to the students during the holy season of Lent.
Advanced Placement Courses - The AP Program is a cooperative educational endeavor sponsored by the College Board. Advanced Placement courses motivate students to work at their highest potential, earn college credit while in high school and ultimately prepare for the challenge of working at a college-level. Taking AP courses can do more than just help one get into college-it can get you ready for it too. Students who take AP courses and exams are not only more prepared for the academic demands of college, studies show they're also twice as likely to go on to receive graduate degrees. See the above course listing for the AP courses offered.
National Honor Society - The Sister Concepta Chapter of the National Honor Society is organized to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to develop character, to promote leadership, and to stimulate a desire for service among the members of the Aquinas community.
Student Council - The Student Council is an organization of students elected to represent the student body in decision making regarding student affairs. The activities of the Student Council provide students with the opportunity to practice leadership and citizenship. The Student Council is a forum for student expression and faculty-student interaction. The Student Council fosters school spirit and morale.
School Publications - Students publish the yearbook, Veritas; the newspaper, The Spirit of Aquinas; and the literary magazine, The Aquinite. Students serve as editors, writers, photographers, and reporters.
Click here to read the latest Spirit of Aquinas!
Christmas Concert/Spring Musical - The annual Christmas Concert and Spring Musical productions are highlights of the school year. Members of the Glee Club, Concert Band, String Orchestra, Drama Club and Dance Club perform in these shows, supported by the technical expertise of the Stage Crew and the Lighting Crew. Recent productions include: Crazy for You, Shakespeare's Greatest Hits, The Wiz, Dames at Sea, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Godspell and Once on This Island.
Community Service - All Aquinites complete a required Community Service program prior to graduation. Tutoring, volunteering in hospitals and nursing homes, teaching CCD, and other like service activities enable students to understand their responsibility to others in need. Throughout the year, the Campus Ministry program and Student Council coordinate food drives to restock food pantries. Members of the Aquinas SADD Chapter sponsor the annual Prom Promise
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Enrichment Programs
Aquinites are also encouraged to enhance their learning through participation in after school and/or week-end programs or through summer programs. A variety of programs are available including the Junior Statesman Program at Yale and Georgetown Universities, AFS study abroad, the Science and Technology Entry Program at Fordham university (STEP), the Einstein Enrichment Program at the Einstein College of Medicine, the Wall Street Finance and Scholastic Training Track Program (FAST Track), The Summer Jobs Program, the Liberty LEADS Program at the Bank Street College of Education, the Writing/Reading Enrichment Program at Columbia University and the Cornell University CURIE Program.
