January 2024

Global Studies Program Update
 
The Global Studies Program is humming along these days. After Mr. Dougherty's successful trip to India over Thanksgiving with twelve students, Ms. Witte is leading forty students and four teachers to the British Isles over Easter break, where they will visit such famed cities as Dublin, Belfast, Derry, and London. After school ends in June, six other students will accompany Ms. Yu to Taiwan where they will initiate what we hope will become a student exchange with a partner school. While in Taiwan, the group will explore Taipei, pick tea, visit a 19th century trading port, take a train ride through the forest in Alishan...and more.
While Ms. Witte charts her path across the British Isles, Mr. Dougherty, Global Studies Coordinator, will be scouting locations for two future trips: in Nueva Esperanza, a barrio in Nicaragua where he hopes to bring several students over Thanksgiving break 2024 (returning in time for turkey dinner this time) to tutor children in Spanish; and then i Turrialba, Costa Rica, for adventure--ziplining, volcano climbing, white water rafting, organic farming, and more. Any of these trips make a student traveler eligible for the new Global Studies Diploma, being awarded to seniors for the first time this year. Contact Mr. Dougherty for details about the Global Studies Program and its diploma or certificate.

Global Studies Information 

Spanish IV Concludes Food and Culture Unit with Field Trip to Olé Tapas Lounge

On January 25th, Spanish 4 students attended a field trip to Olé Tapas Lounge in Newark, DE. The restaurant visit was a culminating activity to the course’s Food and Culture Unit in which students researched cuisines from around the Spanish-speaking world and completed a cooking project. At Olé Tapas, students sampled an authentic Spanish menu featuring a variety of tapas, including empanadas, patatas bravas, and gambas al ajillo. For the main course, they dined on paella mixta and finished the meal with churros con chocolate. During the meal, they enjoyed a presentation about Flamenco music and dance. The presenter performed several traditional dances and involved students to learn about the instruments, rhythms, and movements that are essential to Flamenco.

The trip was also an important lesson in sobremesa, a uniquely Spanish concept, which refers to enjoying time with friends and family at mealtime. The students returned to campus with a memorable experience and renewed curiosity in Spanish culture.

Summer 2024 Tutoring

Please click here to see Mr. Dougherty's letter, regarding summer 2024 tutoring opportunities. Any questions should be directed to Mr. Dougherty at tdougherty@archmereacademy.com.

Mr. Chominski Completes Graduate Certificate in Philosophy and Ethics

Mr. Matthew Chominski, Theology Department Chair and Teacher, recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Philosophy and Ethics with the Harvard University Extension School. Mr. Chominski took courses in biotechnology and ethics; ancient Indian literature as it relates to questions of the good life; ancient Indian Buddhist philosophy; and questions regarding love, lust, and loyalty.

Mr. Steve Klinge Facilitates Workshop on Teaching Poetry in AP Literature

This month, Archmere English teacher Mr. Steve Klinge led a two-hour workshop on teaching poetry in Advanced Placement Literature and using the resources to plan units and lessons. The session was an online Professional Development training available to NYC public school teachers through their AP For All program, under the auspices of BFW Publishers (Bedford, Freeman & Worth) and their Literature & Composition AP textbook. 
  
Mr. Klinge contributed to the textbook materials, including being one of the co-authors of the Teacher Edition. He is scheduled to lead another session in March. 
Back
Archmere Academy is a private, Catholic, college preparatory co-educational academy,
grades 9-12 founded in 1932 by the Norbertine Fathers.