Taking Time Out For STEM Careers

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Sometimes, it is nice to get out of the classroom, leave textbooks behind, and learn in a different setting.  Chaminade Middle School students did just that on Wednesday, March 21 during the Distinguished Science Speaker series.  Organized by Science Department Chair, Margie Chespak, the series is in its second year at Chaminade, and is a program designed to expose students to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Five Chaminade parents who work in various STEM careers spoke to the entire Middle School, and offered insights and advice.  Ken Kubo, a Northrup Gruman software engineer showed the audience how the academics of geometry, physics, and algebra created a popular video game. Next, students learned how Cindi Hein, M.S., R.D., a registered dietician from Mead Johnson Nutrition took “the road less travelled” and went from earning a B.A. in History to becoming a registered dietician.  Dr. David Gerwe, a Boeing Company technical fellow then wowed students with his work on lasers, telescopes, satellites, computers, and electronics.  Students also learned about the many career options offered by public health from Seira Kurian, M.D., MPH, who is a public health physician with the Los Angeles County Department of Health.  Finally, Fox Engineering and Operations Senior Vice President, Monte Kuklenski walked the audience through the building and operation of a Fox network center in Houston.

Each speaker had something different to offer the students, but they all encouraged students to work on a well-rounded education and not simply focus on the math and science.  They talked about the importance of developing communication skills through the liberal arts and writing.

While students certainly enjoyed the opportunity to take their learning outside the classroom, they especially enjoyed seeing how the subjects they learn are used in practical, real-life situations.  Thomas Price ’16 said, “It was a great way to…learn from a different perspective…to learn from professionals in their real life jobs, to show you how what science teaches you, how you can use it in society.”

After the presentations ended, six students, along with their science teachers, ate lunch with the speakers.  They used the time to talk about the future of learning in the STEM disciplines, and what Chaminade can do to prepare.  The speakers then sat at tables during the main lunch period and answered questions from students.

Chaminade President Wins NCEA Reward

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Chaminade College Preparatory President James V. Adams will receive the 2012 Catholic Secondary Education Award from the Secondary Schools Department of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), given to Catholic school educators for distinguished service to Catholic education.

Adams was recognized by NCEA for his leadership at Chaminade, where he has molded a Catholic organization which lives and breathes it mission to form young adults who are committed to their faith, morally aware and academically capable people, and are outstanding contributors to the future. During his tenure, Chaminade has instituted a one-to-one student tablet educational experience, and constructed a 25,000 square foot Science and Technology Center on the High School campus, a 25,000 square foot Arts and Athletics Center on the Middle School campus, and a 24,000 square foot Performing Arts Center on the High School campus.

Chaminade has won the following awards under Adams’ leadership:

  • 1997/98 – National Blue Ribbon School
  • 2008 – Named by Los Angeles Magazine one of the best private high schools in Los Angeles County
  • 2009 – The International Center for Leadership in Education named Chaminade College Preparatory one of 25 “Model Schools.” Chaminade College Preparatory is the first Catholic School in the United States to earn this prestigious honor. Chaminade leadership presented a workshop at the annual Model Schools Conference which was attended by over 5,500 educators from around the world.
  • 2009 – Chaminade College Preparatory’s Board of Directors received the Outstanding Board Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). This award recognizes outstanding work, encourages excellence, and provides ideas and best practices for other governance groups.
  • 2010 – James Adams named by San Fernando Valley Business Journal as Best Not-for-Profit Executive
  • 2009 – Recognized by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal as one of San Fernando Valley’s Best Places to Work
  • 2009 – Daily News Readers’ Favorite Private School

In addition to his role at Chaminade, Adams is a permanent part-time consultant with Meitler Consultants, an educational planning firm. He also serves on the Board of Directors and Governance Committee of the Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley, Joint Advisory Board of St. Catherine of Siena School and the Advisory Council for Community Bank. He has also served on the Board of Sacramento Blood Bank, the Heart Research Foundation, Catholic Charities, and the St. Sebastian Governance Board. He has served as president of Chaminade College Preparatory since July 1996.

Adams will receive his award at the annual NCEA Convention on April 12, 2012.

Chaminade Set to Stage Dietrich Bonhoeffer Story

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For one night only, on April 3, 2012, Chaminade College Preparatory presents Hugh McElyea’s Tenebrae – The Passion of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Bonhoffer, a German Lutheran pastor, made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, and was one of the few church leaders who opposed Hitler. The public is invited to Chaminade’s Tutor Family Center for the Performing Art to share in this inspiring and compelling story of a man who gave his life for his faith.

Chaminade’s High School and Middle School choirs, student chamber ensemble, student actors, along with Chaminade faculty, staff, parents, and friends, will perform this liturgical music-drama.

Tickets are available online, and are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

For more information call 818-360-0165.

Class of 2012: True to Their School

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An important part of graduating from Chaminade College Preparatory is finding a lasting way for your class to leave its mark. The Class of 2012 has found theirs, and it is through a gift to their school. Since late January, a committee of seniors has worked with Alumni Manager, Peggy Smith and Students Activities Director, Julie LaBelle, to raise money among their classmates so they can later vote on a gift to Chaminade.

The 21 committee members have made presentations to their classsmates and worked through their lunch breaks to encourage the Class of 2012 to do one thing – participate. Their goal has never been about an amount of money, but coming together as a class and contributing to their school. Of course, the suggested gift was $20.12 (class pride always rules), but if you can only contribute the change from your pocket, you still count.

As of March 12, the Class of 2012 proudly boasts a 61% participation rate, but they want 100% so the hard work continues.

Eagle Engineering’s Global Arm

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No stranger to helping students in other countries begin robotics team, Chaminade’s Eagle Engineering has done it again. Having already worked with teams in England, New Zealand, and Japan, Eagle Engineering most recently lent a hand to two schools in Micronesia, Yap SDA and Yap Catholic.

Their work began in 2008 when Chaminade’s robotics team sent textbooks to Micronesia so resources for two new high schools could be built. Eagle Engineering also created instructional videos, which cover robotics basics, programming, etc. for the Micronesian students. In addition, the team sent two VEX Robotics Starter Kits, a VEX game playing field, and game elements. Eagle Engineering’s work with Yap SDA and Yap Catholic are featured in the May/June issue Robot Magazine.

Moderated by Robotics Program Director, Nancy McIntyre, Eagle Engineering is comprised of both VEX and FRC teams at the Middle and High School campuses. In 2010-2011, the VEX team won three Driver Skills Awards, two Excellence awards, an Engineering Excellence Award, and were tournament champions; and the FRC team won the Los Angeles Chairman’s Award.