IN Pine-Richland Winter 2017 | Page 12

WHERE LEARNING

Comes To Life

Accepting mid year starts

Extended Hours 7:30 am- 6 pm

3 Years- Kindergarten

Montessori Education follows each child at their own pace: Progressive Curriculum: Math, Language, Science, Geography Art, Culture & Peace Education

NOW ENROLLING

Accepting Applications for 2017-2018

204 Commerce Park Dr. Cranberry Twp., PA 16066 724.778.0111 www. gardenmontessori. com

Presents

Performance Dates: November 11 & 12, 4 Shows!

Open Online Registration for Classes www. WexfordActingStudio. com

LOOP

IN THE

C O N T I N U E D

sponsoring organization’ s criteria. About 190 colleges will award 4,000 college-sponsored Merit Scholarships to finalists who attend the sponsor institution.

Shady Side Academy is a nationally respected private school in Pittsburgh for boys and girls in grades PK-12, with optional boarding in high school. Four age-specific campuses with extraordinary resources, teachers who actively mentor, a forward-thinking curriculum, a diverse and inclusive community and a legacy of alumni accomplishments all inspire Shady Side students to high achievement in academics, the arts, athletics and to meaningful ambitions in life. Learn more at shadysideacademy. org.

A GROUNDBREAKING CLASS EMBARKS ON ITS SENIOR YEAR

The inaugural class of innovative private high school Holy Family Academy prepares for the future.

On September 5, 49 high school seniors begin their final year at Holy Family Academy( HFA). Four years ago, these teenagers entered the newly established school as its first class of freshmen. Since then, they have delved into a unique education that has challenged them to innovate, collaborate and find creative solutions to real-life problems. With the opening of the school’ s SAIL( Social Action and Integrated Learning) FabLab( Fabrication Laboratory) this year, they’ ll have some extra resources to equip them for the next stage of their journey.

Holy Family Academy was founded with a mission to provide an affordable, individualized education to a diverse student body. The school serves as a regional catalyst connecting students to science, technology, engineering and math( STEM) careers through cross-sector collaborations with its internship partners.

Starting freshman year, each student spends one full day per week gaining workplace experience at an internship. These opportunities are provided by more than 70 of greater Pittsburgh’ s top employers, including UPMC, PNC Bank, Eaton Corp., FedEx Ground, United Way, MARC USA, Pittsburgh Technology Council and, most recently, Allegheny General Hospital.

Students also gain STEM skills through classes, project-based learning and an array of partnerships. The newest of these is the SAIL FabLab, where students will have the opportunity to design and create projects using high-tech fabrication equipment like 3D printers and laser cutters.

“ In the SAIL FabLab, students will gain hands-on engineering and design experience – and be inspired to design solutions to social justice issues in their communities and explore career paths they hadn’ t considered before,” says Lisa Abel-Palmieri, Ph. D., Holy Family Academy’ s head of school.“ Because many of their projects will focus on addressing needs and challenges in the community, they’ ll also be cultivating leadership skills.”

She adds,“ Eventually we’ d like to share our SAIL FabLab with other youth who don ' t have access to such a space and offer teacher professional development for area educators. Design training opens many possibilities for teaching and learning, and everyone should have access to it.”

In addition to the resources and training they receive at school and during their internships, Holy Family Academy students also benefit from collaborations with Network Campus Partners, including The Citizen Science Lab, Duquesne University, Children’ s Museum, the Confucius Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, Saturday Light Brigade and Manchester Craftsman’ s Guild.“ They get the best of Pittsburgh,” says Sister Linda Yankoski, Holy Family Academy Board President and CEO of Holy Family Institute.

“ We’ re guiding our students to develop the attributes that will sustain fulfilling careers and purpose-driven lives – not only technical and academic skills but also strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, an enthusiasm for lifelong learning and a commitment to serving their communities.”

About Holy Family Academy: Holy Family Academy is an independent Catholic high school that provides an affordable, innovative education focused on college and career readiness. The academy partners with families and uses evidence-based practices to equip each student for success. Through a rigorous yet personalized college preparatory program and unique internship program, students build skills that will serve them throughout their lives. ■

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