St Teresas Academy - Avila Yearbook (Kansas City, MO)

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STA Recognized As Exemplary Privare School In January 1983, Secretary of Education T.H. Bell sparked the development of the Exemplary Private School Recognition Project to direct public attention to unusually effective schools across the country. Secretary Bell stated that the emphasis was not to be placed on finding the best schools in the nation, but rather on locating distinguished schools that are doing an exceptionally fine job, so we can focus attention on what they are doing right.” This program proved to be very useful as well as educational in determin- ing and recognizing fine schools across the nation — including St. Teresa's Academy. Our school was recognized as one of the top sixty schools in the nation. But do we know exactly why or how? In a report given to Sister Barbara on the top sixty private schools, it states that certain attributes such as teaching staff, the administra- tion, parents, school programs, community services, and of course, the student body, combine to form a truly note-worthy school. Of course no school could ever be truly note-worthy without a teaching staff, and St. Teresa's Academy is very privileged to be gifted with such a staff. In the report, great emphasis was placed on the exceptional teaching staff. They encourage students of all ability levels to achieve academically and hold them to the highest appropriate standard.” An anonymous student agrees by saying I don't know what I would do without some of these teachers — they really help me through a lot of rough times — both with grades and personal problems. It's nice to know that the teachers aren't here just to be employed, they're here because they care and want to help us.” Walking down the halls one can witness many casual meetings between students and teachers sharing ideas, opinions, and advice. That's what makes the teaching staff so unusually good — the fact that they take time out to help the student see the light.” The relationship between the teachers and the students of STA is a very obvious and warm one,” notes Sr. Pat. This is proved true in the report: They respect their feelings of self-worth.” Self-worth though is not only seen in a student's grades. Self- worth can also be seen in a person's capabilities or responsibilities. Such things as senior service projects, modular scheduling, work- study programs, and many extra-curricular activities help the stu- dent gain a strong sense of self-worth. None of these would be available though without the hard work of the administration. The administration has a clear sense of the direction in which our school is heading for it's academic future. They try to reach the goals set out for the academic year and reexamine the commitments of the school for quality education. Their main goal is to help the student have as many options in which to grow as possible. Parent-teacher conferences, Father-Daughter dances and volley- ball games, Grandmother's Tea, Mother's Lunch, library help, and office help all incorporate the importance of parent's roles in the students school life. I feel better when my parents know what's going on at school — it's like they're a part of me and my life,” states Junior Susie Martin. With parents playing a key role in the school environment, the relationship of the parent-student has a common interest that can be shared. In the report given to Sr. Barbara, it was said that one of the most fruitful ways the school encourages students to develop social re- sponsibility is through the creation and careful administration of community service programs. Senior service projects are the best example of helping out the Kansas City community. In this program, seniors take a two week break out of the usual school routine and are assigned to such places as homes for the mentally retarded, homes for battered children, and juvenile homes. A former student of STA who went to a home for battered children for the senior service project points out, I really got a lot out of the projects. It helped me learn a lot of things that are not always able to be seen in textbooks. I think it's one of the greatest things STA has to offer. A lot of friends of mine found what they wanted to do in life — it helps a lot of people all around.” St. Theresa's constantly involves itself in the field of community help in sponsoring blood drives, project warmth, Catholic Worker House, food drives, and clothing drives. It feels good to help people in need. Lord knows most of us here have plenty to keep us alive whereas there are a lot of people out there that don't and they appreciate what little we can give,” observes Sophomore Erica McBeth. With so many wonderful attributes though, none could be put to use without students that are willing to learn and take advantage of such opportunities to expand their horizons. One of the best things that completes our school of excellence are the students. In the report given to Sr. Barbara, it was said that over and over students mentioned their feelings of belonging to a trusting, caring, communi- ty where they are expected to take responsibility for their actions, where their achievements of all kinds are noted and honored, and where help is available from teachers and administrators on aca- demic, personal, ethical, and spiritual problems. As Miss Tumminia notes, Though this school offers a lot, it also seeks students who are willing to give much in return. Doing homework, extracurricular activities, listening in class, having respect for teachers, and attend- ing class are all involved in student's responsibility and willingness in return.” In conclusion, the definition of a school” is all of a building's students and teachers — not the desks, the blackboards, or the computers. It's the people that make our school unique, not vice- versa!” notes Junior Jyoti Mahida. 8

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Upper left: Controversial Boy?! Upper right: Carrie Hood and Sally Runyan “steal” the show with mischievous grins. Left: Emily Bryde boogies to the beat. Above: Kathy MacNaughton, Chris Hood, Rhonda Roosa, Susan Pearson, and Dan Zilber share their creative talents. 7

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Dr. Charles O’Malley, Representative from the U.S. Department of Educa- tion, presented an excellence banner to Sr. Barbara Verheyen. Sally Runyan, Tyler Stewart and Sarah Keitges present advisory food collections at Thanksgiving Liturgy. Freshmen Ann Thompson, Amy Cow- herd, Kristin Steed and Maria Kibler re- flect a bright future for private education. 9