Dear Families,
It recently struck me that November has taken on a new level of meaning for our families and extended school community, for the entire month of November is dedicated to the souls in purgatory. This past year - call it 18 months just to be safe - has been a particularly difficult one in the sense that many beloved family and friends have passed away.
Purgatory is not simply a place where people who don't deserve heaven go until God declares they are ready. This is because we are all made for heaven but we do not always love God for his own sake. "All who die in God'...
Given the recent decline in math and English proficiency in the state of NH, below are some key indicators from the most recent data we have:
PSAT 8/9 (Spring 2017)
- 100% of 8th grade students reach proficiency in ERW (evidence based reading and writing) and 73% were proficient in math.
- 91% of 9th graders were proficient in ERW, 91% in math.
This compared to statewide proficiency numbers below 60% in math and English for students below grade 11 taking the Smarter Balanced test, and then 66% proficient in ERW in grade 11 and only 49% proficient in math on the actual SAT.
When you look at a...
Read MoreDear Families,
Thank you to all of the families who participated in or attended the Fall Festival. It is always refreshing to come together as a community, and of course, the weather cooperated for once. I personally had a great time catching up with all of you.
At the recent coffee hour with the leadership team, questions about curriculum came up, which we of course find very exciting! Selecting a new resource isn't the only step: successful implementation depends upon professional development and progress monitoring. We are privileged to partner with the Institute for Excellence in Writing, ...
Read MoreDear Families,
A question that has been heavy on my heart is how do we move beyond the divisiveness that leads to evolving forms of violence and daily dysfunction?
Classical thinkers have the answer: St. Thomas Aquinas in particular had a way of juggling conflicting opinions in the air, but allowing the reader to see the whole picture and discover what answer makes the most sense. It wasn't always a direct answer, but the profound integration of all forms of knowledge and truth made an impression on me. In fact, I still listen to Thomist podcasts of all my college professors to exercise my own...
Read MoreDear Families,
As you know, all faculty will head to Concord this Friday for the annual diocesan teacher formation day. It is an occasion for all teachers and administrators working in Catholic schools throughout the state to come together and be reminded of our mission as Catholic educators. The day kicks off with Mass, presided over by Bishop Libasci, and continues with various speakers addressing our role in Catholic education. The day is part professional development and part retreat, and we all come away with batteries recharged.
Two other professional development days are planned this...
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Mount Royal Academy has been recognized as a Catholic Education Honor Roll School. The national Honor Roll program is directed by the Cardinal Newman Society and has recognized over 300 high-performing Catholic high schools nationwide since the program’s inception in 2004.
MRA engaged in a thorough internal and external review of its comprehensive program offerings before being awarded this status. It has received specific recognition for its strong integration of Catholic identity throughout its efforts, including the integrity of its mission, and the strength of its community and rich spir...
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