Crusader. Times. The. Headmaster s Highlights. Catholic Schools Matter!!! Dear Atonement Families, Thank you, Mr. John Markovetz.

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1 The Crusader Times NEWS FROM THE ATONEMENT ACADEMY Volume , Issue 26 Feb. 7th, 2018 Sat. Catholic Schools Matter!!! Upcoming Events Tues. Feb. 13 Feb. 10 Upper School Dance (7-11pm) Wed. Feb. 14 LS St Valentine s Day (2:15 pm) Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) Fri. Feb. 16 Stations of the Cross (2:15pm) Mon. Feb. 19 Federal Holiday (no classes) Thurs. Feb. 22 Class Ring Ceremony (9:10 am) Fri. Feb. 23 Stations of the Cross (2:15pm) Re-Enrollment 2018 Headmaster s Highlights Dear Atonement Families, One of our many great traditions at The Atonement Academy is to present the juniors their class rings during the 9:10 am Mass on The Feast of the Chair of St. Peter. On this day, Feb 22, we celebrate the unity of the Church, founded upon the Apostle Saint Peter, and affirm our commitment to the Magisterium. We offer our prayers to all members of the junior class as they approach this next milestone in their education. As we approach the beginning of the holy season of Lent next week, may you find peace in your life as we reflect more fully on Christ's passion and infinite love. Be assured of my prayers for you and your families. Thank you, Mr. John Markovetz Red Robin Road San Antonio TX Marketing@AtonementOnline.com

2 CATHOLIC EDUCATION AT THE ATONEMENT ACADEMY Common Core and Catholic Education In December of 2013, The Cardinal Newman Society issued a statement expressing serious reservations about the rapid adoption of the Common Core State Standards in Catholic schools across the country: The Cardinal Newman Society is concerned that adoption of the Common Core at this time is premature. Worse, it may be a mistake that will be difficult or impossible to undo for years to come. We do not doubt the good intentions of those who advocate the Common Core in Catholic schools, and we acknowledge their confidence that Catholic schools can maintain a strong Catholic identity even while measuring their quality according to secular standards. But we do not share this confidence, in light of the sad experience in recent decades of many Catholic colleges, hospitals, and charities that believed they could infuse Catholic identity into the secular standards that they embraced (The Renewal Report). (.1) The Atonement Academy was instrumental in the decision not to adopt Common Core in the Archdiocese of San Antonio and continues to promote the true purpose of Catholic Education, which is much more than the stated purpose of Common Core: The [Common Core] standards are designed to ensure students are prepared for today s entry-level careers, freshman-level college courses, and workforce training programs. (.2) Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, former secretary to the Congregation for Catholic Education, explained in a 2005 lecture at The Catholic University of America: The enduring foundation on which the Church builds her educational philosophy is the conviction that it is a process which forms the whole child, especially with his or her eyes fixed on the vision of God. The specific purpose of a Catholic education is the formation of boys and girls who will be good citizens of this world, enriching society with the leaven of the Gospel, but who will also be citizens of the world to come. Catholic schools have a straightforward goal: to foster the growth of good Catholic human beings who love God and neighbor and thus fulfill their destiny of becoming saints. (.3) Catholic education did not become successful by striving for secular standards; its success begins with its Catholic mission. Traditional classroom methods and pedagogy in Catholic schools developed precisely because of the desire to form students morally, spiritually, intellectually and socially. (.4) The Atonement Academy continues to implement this mission: At The Atonement Academy we strive for excellence in the physical, the intellectual, and the spiritual virtues through a challenging course of classical and Catholic education. 1. "The Renewal Report." Summer Document. 5 February Ibid. 3. Ibid. 4. Ibid. Nota Bene / Note Well: OPEN ENROLLMENT: We are now accepting applications for all New and Returning students. Please visit our website for more detail. LENT BEGINS NEXT WEEK: Lent begins next Wednesday February 14th. Please join our faculty and staff at the 9:10 Mass to get ashes and participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. DAY OFF FROM SCHOOL: Bishop Lopes was so pleased with his observation of the school that he granted the students a day off. Mr. Markovetz announced this week that the day off will take place on March 5. Two of the most crucial things I think The Atonement Academy has gifted me with that has become evident through my college experience is my work ethic and my faith. The demanding standards of Atonement taught me how to work hard and do my best in whatever topic, and Atonement also gave me an environment where a dependency and reliance on the faith was a significant element to our everyday lives, and going to university with the understanding that our faith is the strong support that we can turn to in times of need and stress is essential to being able to cope with the challenges college throws at us. Veronika Prochko ~ Class of 2015

3 Atonement Athletics Coaches Corner Dear Atonement Sports Parents, The Varsity Boys Soccer and Middle School Boys Soccer had an outstanding game this week on Monday, January 29 th. It was great to see our Middle Scholars versus the Upper Schoolers in a terrific game of soccer. To see our studentathletes bonding all across the many age groups and to see the Upper Scholars introduce the Middle Schoolers to the Varsity game was indeed something to remember. We thank our Middle Schoolers for the efforts towards the end of an outstanding soccer season with victories in tournament and league. The Winston School visited us this past Thursday, February 1 st in the 2 nd leg of the district playoffs. Our Varsity Boys Soccer achieved a great victory over the Eagles with a score of Goals scored by Joseph Kisgen, Brandon Obeng, Alex Sanchez one a piece, two goals scored by Franco Navarrete and six goals scored by our senior Travis Prochko in his last home game as a CRUSADER in his senior night. Visit our Sports website at: Atonement sports.org Coach Carlos Miranda ~ Soccer Coach Upcoming Games Thur. Feb. 8 Women s Basketball - 4:30 pm (Away) Women s Soccer - 5:30 pm (Away) Men s Varsity Soccer - 7:00pm (Away) Fri. Feb. 9 Men s Varsity Basketball - 7:30 pm (Home Sat. Feb. 10 Women s Soccer - 3:00 pm (TBA) Thur. Feb. 15 Women s Soccer Tourn.- (TBA) (Away) Thur. Feb ** (Houston Tournament) Men s Varsity Soccer - TBA (Away) Men s Varsity Soccer - TBA (Away) Men s Varsity Soccer - TBA (Away)

4 Middle School Corner Subject: Religion Grade: 6th Grade Girls Teacher: Miss Laura Oliveros A Penitential Spirit In a recent unit, the 6th graders reviewed the spiritual effects and importance of penitential fasting and abstinence during the Lenten season as well as the Catholic Church's encouragement that every Friday of the year be a day of penance. Of their own accord, the 6th grade girls decided to take up this call from the Church and asked if we as a class could make every Friday a penitential Friday. They chose private, individual penances to make and brainstormed the best way to keep themselves accountable. Together, we created a chart in the shape of a tree, and under personally decorated leaves we track the Fridays we keep our intended penances. Not only does the image of the tree symbolize the life of grace we hope to instill in ourselves by making such sacrifices, but it also shows the spiritual growth the students have made this year! St. Gianna Molla Pro Life Club Eight members of our Upper School St. Gianna Molla Pro Life Club and some of their family members took a bus to Austin on Saturday January 27th to participate in the annual Texas March for Life. It has been 45 years since the Supreme Court legalized abortion. We went to pray for the conversion of the hearts of everyone who is involved with and everyone who has been affected by abortion and especially for the change of the hearts and minds of our current Supreme Court that they may repeal their decision. While we were there we were able to see Mr. Alejandro and three of the Atonement s past alumni. All three of past alumni served as presidents of the Pro Life Club during their Senior year in the past four years at the Academy. Everyone who participated from the Pro Life Club said they had a great time and we wish to encourage more people to join us next year!

5 Featured Teacher of the Week This is my sixth year teaching music at The Atonement Academy. The best part of teaching at The Atonement Academy is having the opportunity to give glory to God through the beauty of sung prayer at daily Mass. The best part of teaching is seeing my students compose, improvise and conduct music. It is amazing what great musicians young children can be! I have a BA in theology from Christendom College and a Masters in Music Education from Shenandoah University. I am certified in the Ward Method of Music Instruction and in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Each summer I teach Ward pedagogy to music teachers at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. I have also given Ward Method workshops to children and adults throughout the US and in Europe. Having grown up on a citrus grove in South Florida, I enjoy gardening. I also enjoy traveling, cooking and playing with my two corgis, Dovie and Blaise. I am blessed this year to be working with at The Atonement Academy with my husband, Mr. Patrick Zuberbueler. Mrs. Amy Zuberbueler Lower School Music Teacher Upper School Corner Subject: Moral Theology Grade: 12th Grade Teacher: Mrs. Catherine Prochko Social Teaching of the Church This past week the seniors in Moral Theology had the opportunity to step into the shoes of a teacher and teach their class about the fundamental rights of workers and a just economy. The students are currently studying the social teaching of the Church, and after reading St. Pope John XXIII s encyclical, Pacem in Terris, on the fundamental rights of the human person, they turned to St. Pope John Paul II s Centesimus Annus, his encyclical on the hundredth anniversary of Pope Leo XIII s Rerum Novarum. In Centesimus Annus, St. Pope John Paul II reflects on the concept of the relationship between the State and its citizens, the destructive nature of socialism, the principle of solidarity, the right to private property and the universal destination of goods. The students were assigned a section of the document and worked in groups to determine the main points of the section. Then each student presented a section of the document and their group provided the class with a handout that challenged the critical thinking skills of their classmates. It was a learning experience on both the social teaching of the Church and on public speaking. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to quiz their peers!

6 Lower School Corner Subject: Grade: Teacher: History 3rd Grade Boys Mrs. Brenda Garza A Walk Through the Ancient World The 3 rd grade boys brought to life people, discoveries, and stories last Thursday evening during their Academic Showcase. Throughout this school year, the students have been studying how history has been shaped from ancient times to the Romans. Each student chose a piece of history to showcase. The individual family projects were displayed as a walk through the ancient world. The projects began with the Israelites leaving Canaan, following Moses along the Nile, sailing in Phoenician boats, peering through stain glass and making of purple dye, stories from Ashurbanipal s clay tablets, raging war in the Assyrian Siege Tower, the beautiful meaning behind Babylon s Hanging Gardens, Persia s treasured silver, Athenian coins and wax tablets, Zeus Golden Apple, the Olympian family tree, the Greek s Trojan Horse, and many more wonderful historical projects. Additionally, the students wrote their names in Greek. They learned the importance of Greek Spartan shields and eagerly hand drew symbols representing their family name in battle. The students enjoyed learning about the Greek gods and goddesses through reading various mythology stories. Then, they wrote two types of poetry with illustrations of their Greek god or goddess. The hall displayed the students understanding of their reading, Pompeii, through sequenced events before and after the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. We are continuing our journey through Rome s history, but our history does not stop here. This fascinating journey will continue with Volume II in Fourth Grade where they will meet the Turks, Vikings, and Knights. In honor of Mrs. Kathleen Benzaquen The 2018 Crusader Award Winner

7 Our Lady of the Atonement Parish Life 2018 Bishop s Appeal The 2018 Bishop s Appeal will be held next weekend, Feb. 10th-11th. This is our opportunity as a Parish Community to unite with our Ordinariate family to support our shared mission of evangelization. In the coming week, please take time to prayerfully reflect on the gifts that you have been given by God and respond to Bishop Lopes appeal as generously as you possibly can. Your participation is essential to the success of the Ordinariate. Please join other Catholics from throughout the Ordinariate in supporting this very important appeal next week. The Atonement Academy Flyers Click on the images to open the flyers!!!

8 Crusader Scene PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: Pictured Above 1. Crusader s sports pep rally. 2. EvaMarie Wick in music class. 3. Drumline practicing after school. 4. Ty Slayden reading to Mom. 5. Ana & Mariana Lane. 6. Layla Hamood at Academic Showcase. 7. Mrs. Kennedy s class at Academic Showcase. Share photos of your children around campus. Please send them to: Marketing@AtonementOnline.com