A Courageous Choice for the Future

Dominican Blessing

2012-01-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

Immaculate Conception Academy is proud to be a Dominican school offering quality college preparatory education for 128 years.

The students, being aware of Dominican spirituality, daily pray this prayer for ICA students, families, benefactors, alumnae, sponsors and all those in need.

Saint Dominic was well-known for his joyful presence, his social conscience, his preaching of Truth and love of others.

In their daily living, our young women strive to follow this example.

May God Creator, bless us

May God Redeemer, heal us

May God the Holy Spirit, fill us with light.

With Blessings,

Sister Diane Aruda, O.P.

President

ICA’s Unsung Heroes: Max Straube, Director of Corporate Work Study Program

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Anyone connected with ICA knows there is something very special about it. Not only does it have history, tradition, and passion for helping the young women of San Francisco’s Mission District and beyond but it also incorporates a Corporate Work Study Program. There are a number of people who make the program what it is, one of which is the program director, Max Straube.

Before joining ICA, Max was entering an era his wife calls his “second half” (he was 45 at the time). Claire, Max’s wife, encouraged him to take some time to refocus and use his energy and experience on something with more personal meaning and merit. While this thought process led him to consider a wide range of possibilities, including conservancy efforts in Montana, he ultimately decided to pursue the position for CBFO at ICA. His background working with startups was a perfect fit for a school starting a Cristo Rey work study program, and he valued the opportunity to work with high school students, helping them to succeed.

When Max thinks about his time at ICA, what he enjoys most is working with the students. He values the opportunity to work alongside students who are perhaps struggling with the work-school balance. He encourages them along the way and delights when it clicks for the students and they really start to thrive. He can remember several students at risk of not meeting the work study requirements who eventually excelled in their jobs and at school. Sending them off in the morning wearing their uniforms, knowing they’re accomplishing something and that they belong to the ICA community, is a wonderful thing.

A Typical Day

A typical day for Max starts with student check in and departure for work. This is really the nuts and bolts of the program. It demonstrates preparedness on the part of the students.

Max deals with a lot of issues throughout the day, whether it’s student absences and other workplace issues or parental concerns. He manages maintaining sponsor relationships, answering questions, and helping sponsors sign up for the next year. Max also manages new sponsor prospecting, forming relationships and encouraging new businesses to sign on to the program.

Memorable Moments

Some of the most memorable moments for Max are when students get summer employment offers directly through the companies they worked for during the year. This is tangible evidence of the program’s training, students’ initiative, and their work ethic. These offers show how much the company appreciates the students as employees. Last summer 25 ICA students were hired directly by companies for summer employment.

Also memorable are conversations and letters of thanks from students and families who receive financial assistance from ICA. Many families would not be able to have their daughters attend because of the financial strains they face. When they receive financial assistance and realize that this type college preparatory education is available to them, many are overwhelmed with gratitude. Max particularly values these experiences and even saves some ‘thank you’ letters from students and families as a reminder of his purpose at ICA.

Words of Advice

If Max could give all ICA students one bit of advice, he would say “seize the opportunity.” He realizes ICA students do a lot of work. They go through four years of tough college prep work, and work a quarter of a full-time job. But at the end, each student will be in a position enviable by other high school graduates - prepared for and accepted into college, with four years of corporate clerical work experience that they can list on the resumes.

Fun Fact

If Max could have dinner with any person, past or present, who would he choose? “Easy! Thomas Jefferson! He built the United States into a coast-to-coast nation with a passion for discovery.” This passion for unreached areas is not dissimilar, in Max’s mind, to Mother Maria Pia Backes, and the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, launching into new territory, eventually founding Immaculate Conception Academy in 1883.

Thank you, Max, for your great work at ICA!

Fireball Experiment

2012-01-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

How would you like to hold fire? What if you knew you wouldn't get burned?

For the last class before winter break, the Conceptual Chemistry students got to hold fire! Natural gas was trapped in soap bubbles. As each student dipped their hands in the water, Ms. Manes would ask why the water protected her hands. The answer was: It is inflammable and it has a high specific heat. That means the water forms a layer on your skin that is NOT burning, and it absorbs a lot of energy before it gets very warm.

The students held the suds while they were lit on fire, creating a spectacular fireball, lots of excitement, and no injuries.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Today was the last day for students before the went off on Christmas Break. After a nice prayer service they said their goodbyes and headed for home. Visit our YouTube channel for a Christmas Video from all Cristo Rey schools: http://www.youtube.com/user/icacristorey

Merry Christmas!

ICA's Unsung Heroes: An Interview with Principal Graham

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here at Immaculate Conception Academy there are many unsung heroes. Faculty and staff commit so much of their daily lives to benefiting the students, and not all of these actions are visible to the larger community. Because of this, we will be starting a blog series on ICA's Unsung Heroes, to highlight those individuals. We want to recognize them for their good work so that the students, families, and community as a whole, can be blessed by the their service!

For our first post recognizing ICA's Unsung Heroes, we interviewed Mrs. Lisa Graham, ICA's Principal.

What were you doing before ICA?

Before I came to ICA, I was Head of School at Sterne School, a small independent school in San Francisco.

What originally drew you to ICA?

I had long known ICA as a nurturing community and I welcomed the chance to work in a faith-based setting. The Cristo Rey mission was exciting too: I see the Cristo Rey model as a brave experiment in what urban education can be.

What are some of the benefits of an ICA education that are most important to you?

The outstanding benefit of an ICA education is that it is Dominican, concerned with nurturing growth of the whole person. Students not only have the opportunity to take challenging college prep coursework, but also, they are given the chance to grow spiritually and in their sense of community. The size of the school means many leadership opportunities. There is wonderful tolerance and friendship demonstrated every day and experiencing these gifts is meaningful education. Finally, I appreciate that students at many levels of ability can find success here because of the care and support of every adult at ICA.

What is it like being the Principal? What does a typical day look like?

It is a privilege to be the Principal at ICA and I am grateful to be leading such a strong team of teachers and such dedicated staff. The transition to the Cristo Rey model has presented challenges but great opportunities as we renew our focus on students and our mission. I’m sorry to report that a typical day is twelve hours – the best parts of that in contact with students and seeing learning happening in the classroom. I also enjoy the positive partnerships we have with so many caring parents: I’m grateful they have chosen ICA for their daughters!

What is one of the most memorable moments from your time here?

ICA graduations are wonderful and entirely memorable. Class Day is also really moving. Both events underscore for me how much growth happens in these high school years.

If you had one piece of advice for current ICA students, what would it be?

Take advantage of your time here!

Thank you, Principal Graham, for all of your work!

ThanksGIVING at ICA

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

In the busyness of life, it is easy to both forget to give thanks for the gifts God has given us, and even to remember what the gifts are! Our human nature has a tendency to make us focus on what we don’t have rather than what we do.

This year, during the Thanksgiving season, ICA is focused on remembering the simplest and yet most essential of gifts…clean water. In the populous American city of San Francisco, it’s easy to forget that many people around the world struggle with finding clean water, a requirement for survival.

But ICA is not only remembering what we have here in America, we are also committed to helping provide that basic life necessity to those outside the United States who do not have it.

There has been an ongoing drought in Kenya. The town of Kisumu has been hit particularly hard by this drought. The only well available in the area has run dry. Along with all Kisumu residents, there is a Dominican school in Kisumu, Our Lady of Grace, which is struggling through this drought because of their lack of a functioning well.

ICA has been touched by this great need. Through the logistical support of Living Waters International, ICA is partnering with other Dominican high schools across the United States to raise $50,000 in order to dig a well in Kisumu, Kenya.

ICA is kicking off this campaign on November 21st and it will end during the Human Rights Awareness Week in March. No single school has the ability raise the amount needed, which is why several Dominican high schools are working together to meet the goal.

On November 21^st at Morning Meeting the campaign will be announced to ICA students and the campaign will begin. On November 22^nd at the Thanksgiving Prayer Service, a special skit about water usage will be performed, and a collection will be taken for the campaign.

ICA and Our Lady of Grace would appreciate your prayers that the goal of $50,000 is reached, clean water is provided to the residents of Kisumu, Kenya, and that the drought would end quickly. For more information about the campaign, you can contact Stefani Roybal at sroybal@icacademy.org.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/JohnKay

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T14:06:00.000-07:00

Last Friday the students at ICA had a Halloween Assembly where they were able to display their Halloween costumes and accrue spirit points. The students were all very excited to participate! Games such as "Wrap your Mummy," "Pass the Pumpkin" and more were played.

Pass the Pumpkin (similar to Hot Potato) was played with mini pumpkins. Two students per class started off until only one was left!

Wrap Your Mummy entailed a student wrapping her classmate up like a mummy with toilet paper. The "mummy" would then run the length of the auditorium and back. The first class finished was the winner!

Another game, “Pie a la Coach” involved tossing whipped cream filled balloons at teachers representing each class. Principle Graham, Mrs. O'Kane, Mr. Leach, and Mrs. Cottrell, were the subjects and were covered with cream by the end!

And with Halloween coming to a close, the results of the annual Door Decorating Contest have been tallied. Classroom doors have been decorated the past week for this event. Judges made their determinations based on the criteria of craftsmanship, creativity, and theme. The themes were, Freshman: Ghosts; Sophomores: Zombies; Juniors: Werewolves; Seniors: Vampires.

And the winner is….it’s a tie between the Freshmen and the Sophomores! Congrats Ladies!

Graduating Seniors at Immaculate Conception Academy Earn $1.9M in College Scholarships

2011-10-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

Graduating Seniors at Immaculate Conception Academy Earn $1.9M in College Scholarships

We have been so excited about the success of our students and we have reason to be! At On-Site Admissions Day this month, there were 92 acceptance letters given, including a total of $1.9M in scholarships. ICA students work so hard and their success is paying off. Check out the press release at the link above to get the scoop.

Interview with Mary Lawson, ICA Gala Chair

2011-10-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Mary Lawson is a Chairperson for the ICA Gala Committee, along with her husband, George. The committee (shown in the picture to the right, Mary is in the front row on the left in green) has been meeting about once a month for the past six months, spending a lot of time planning the event. With all the effort that goes into the event, we wondered, what makes Mary Lawson get excited about ICA, and willing to invest so much time and energy? The following interview will help explain.

What made you decide to volunteer with ICA?

I first learned of the ICA/Cristo Rey program through our family matriarch, Jeanie. Her brother in law, Dick Jonsen, met Mary Francis Callan, ICA Board Member, at a Santa Clara Board of Regents meeting. Mary Francis extolled the virtues of the new work/study emphasis at ICA to Dick and he encouraged Jeanie to get involved. Through Jeanie’s leadership, enthusiasm and support, we now have a Gala committee that is 18 members strong! George and I are pleased to be able to see the Gala come to fruition for a second year!

What do you tell people about ICA…

Knowing that the ICA graduate will have four years of corporate work experience on her college application is incredibly exciting! This real life experience, coupled with four years of Dominican inspired education, insures that the ICA student will standout in the crowd of college applicants. ICA has been serving the young women of the Mission District since 1883. Thus, these auspicious San Francisco roots now have a 21^st century outlook. The ICA/Cristo Rey education provides these young women with a spring board to the future!

Why does ICA put on this Gala?

The Gala over the last 4 years has proved to have two distinct components. The first is a fundraising opportunity which supplements the annual budget for this work/study program. Last year we raised $200,000 to aide in covering the cost of transporting the students to the front door of their jobs: to help cover the cost of uniforms; and to enhance the budget when a non-profit employs students but cannot afford the cost of a team. Secondly, the Gala is the perfect venue to garner interest in and to educate our community about ICA and how it benefits the young women in San Francisco’s inner city. Each year we feel blessed as we see our volunteer commitments flourish, our gala attendance surge and our donations escalate.

What has been the most challenging part of planning the GALA?

With the fledgling ICA/Cristo Rey program only going into its 4th year, it has been a challenge to educate donors while requesting a contribution or attendance! Spreading the word about this innovative work/study model is vital to our success, now and in the future. This calling is also the greatest joy since expounding about the benefits of “Education that Works” is so easy to do!

What do you enjoy most about planning the Gala?

Working with a talented, inspirational and creative group of women, both on the committee and on the ICA staff, has been a great joy. Our committee grows with each year and the energy and devotion does as well. We have a great time, we laugh, we work hard and we are all committed to helping make the ICA/Cristo Rey model successful. Planning and executing the Gala is a labor of love for all and the excitement is building with only 16 more days to go until we unveil the 2011 event!

To come to the Gala or not?..

You are invited to join us as we celebrate the new direction of ICA and the continued good works of the Dominican Sisters and the Jesuit based Cristo Rey program. Come directly from work, have a drink, catch up with friends, enjoy a delectable meal and prepare to be inspired! This year we are thrilled to have the elegant Palace Hotel as our venue. The Palace Hotel and Immaculate Conception Academy share the same sense of history and purpose with the city by the bay since the late 1800’s. Both establishments have been renewed and updated recently and are ready to go bravely into the future. ..better that ever!

The auction committee has garnered some fabulous items! Our website..www.icacademy.org..will give you all the highlights to whet your appetite! We have an amazing raffle, too! If you cannot attend, you can support our cause by donating online as well. The evening’s program is heartfelt and insightful and will leave you marveling about the work/study high school model. We hope to see you there!

Another Productive Summer Experience

2011-09-28T09:14:00.000-07:00

This summer I worked for Academy of Art University in their Financial Aid Department. It was a really great experience for me. I was excited to get the call when they offered me a job. I was very happy with the fact that I would be earning my own money. I also got the chance to work with one of my close friends at my work site, which made things even better!

Working during the summer was different than working during the school year, which was what I was used to. I wore the “casual” work attire, and I looked forward to waking up in the morning, knowing I was needed at work.

I liked how work kept me busy during the summer because I like being productive and doing something with my life. I learned how a fraction of my pay check would go to pay for transportation to and from work and on lunch, etc. I never realized how all my little expenses added up to be so much. So in turn, I learned to budget my money better.

All in all, working over the summer gave me more experience at the work site and initiative to do something productive with my life. I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity that most people don’t get due to the status of our economy. Overall, working was definitely one of the highlights of my summer. I’m considering working again next summer just to get the benefit of knowing I’m helping out and making difference with my life.

Bethany

A Student's Summer Work Experience

2011-09-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

As a freshman, I started working at Academy of Art University absolutely clueless. I hoped to not make my presence known to everyone at the job site. I didn’t want to be pointed out at, have to deal with getting scolded at if I ever messed up, or get interrogated by other workers. I began doing simple tasks such as filing, shredding papers, sending and receiving returned mail and making packets. Eventually, I began to interact more with my co-workers and my confidence grew. At that time, my only goal was to “stay consistent,” only because I wanted them to “like me” and possibly “keep me for another year.” I didn’t want to go through that phase of awkwardness again. Little did I know, I would be at that very work site, three years later.

This summer I was given the opportunity to work at Academy of Art University. My supervisor gave me a tremendously flexible schedule, but I had to work a minimum of twenty hours. I worked three days a week for seven hours. I fluctuated between two departments: Financial Aid and Accounts Receivable. I went back and forth between the two departments, whenever one needed help or if I finished tasks early.

Because of the trust relationship I’ve developed between my co-workers and supervisors, my span of skills gradually increased. I went from shredding and filing to now filling out interoffice correspondence envelopes, working with the online data-base system, checking students’ attendance, dropping financial aid, making Excel spreadsheets, logging invoices and payments, keeping track of voucher numbers and much more. Each time I learned something new, I felt like I was getting closer to their “actual” job.

This summer was a valuable learning experience. It is one thing to like your job, but when you get along well with the people around you, that’s even better! I learned that “money doesn't grow on trees” and how hard it is to truly be successful.

I’m definitely looking forward to another year working here.

Jassmine

ICA Cristo Rey Students Receive Award for Sportsmanship

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

For a second consecutive year ICA Cristo Rey Spartans were recognized for their character on and off the court.

On September 7^th, 2011, at the Central Coast Section Administration Workshop, ICA Cristo Rey Spartans were awarded the CCS Sportsmanship Citation, an award recognizing schools who followed sportsmanship guidelines, were positive team players throughout the season, and avoided any incidents of misconduct. This was ICA’s second consecutive year receiving the award.

Athletic Director Carolyn Sideco said that the award recognized all the hard work and intentional positive behavior the girls had exemplified throughout the school year. She continued saying character and values were reinforced to the girls throughout practices and games. “It’s very important to the teammates that they represent not only themselves, but the larger ICA community, in a positive way. The award is a validation of their hard work.”

You can learn more about ICA’s sports programs on their new website at http://icacademy.org/index.php/student-life/athletics.

Upcoming Games:

(Away) ICA vs. Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto; 4:30pm (Jr. Var.) & 5:45pm (Var).; Thursday, September 13^th.

(Home) ICA vs. Crystal Springs Uplands; 4:45pm (Jr. Var) & 6:00pm (Var); Thursday September 15^th.

NEW PRESIDENT…FIRST IMPRESSIONS

2011-09-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

A warm and loving atmosphere permeates the halls of ICA. Students are excited to see one another as the school has come alive with their presence, smiles and hugs. Faculty and staff have been working diligently to welcome the new school year. We enjoyed a spiritual retreat day and planning work day before students arrived. How fortunate we are to serve together in this wonderful endeavor of education through the Cristo Rey model.

This week we are sending students off to their work sites with pride and enthusiasm. We have shared with them the feedback from their corporate sponsors who attended the orientation evening last week. Existing sponsors are looking forward with joy to have students return to their companies. New sponsors were excited to hear the stories of experienced sponsors regarding how they worked with the students. They were interested in the types of mentoring students have received, and were enthused about the creativity allowed and supported by companies familiar with our students. Some of their reflections brought tears to our eyes as we listened to their accounts of working with our Lady Spartans! We are so grateful to them for their sponsorship, their enthusiasm, and their desire to support the learning of our students. They understand ICA as a “School That Works!”

I am blessed to be a part of this active, involved learning environment. Our desire is to serve with a full heart and support the Mission of ICA as a Cristo Rey School in the Dominican tradition. We welcome your participation in our school life. Come visit and meet our Lady Spartans, our faculty, and our staff. You will be impressed with their focus on Mission, and their dedication to the growth and development of our students.

128 years of excellence in education and in service surrounds all of us. Today, we all contribute to this legacy. Our God inspires and sustains us in our work. How blessed we are to rise each day supported in this educational ministry in a community of faith!

Come visit and experience the life and energy that is ICA!

Bay Area Corporations Hire ICA Cristo Rey High School Students for the 2011-2012 School Year

2011-08-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

8/25/2011

MEDIA CONTACT:

Katie Mayberry

kmayberry@icacademy.org

415.824.2052 ext 40

Bay Area Corporations Hire ICA Cristo Rey High School Students for the 2011-2012 School Year

Over thirty corporate partners expressed extreme enthusiasm to have ICA students join their staff.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (August 25, 2011) On August 23rd, over thirty corporate partners representing 25 businesses convened at Immaculate Conception Academy to share their excitement about having students rejoin their staff for the 2011-2012 school year. Each of these businesses will be welcoming teams consisting of one to four students into their offices as entry-level employees next month.

ICA is entering its third year as a member of the nationwide Cristo Rey Network, which incorporates a corporate work program into a traditional high school setting. Sponsors shared how ICA students were responsible for a range of entry level work, from answering phones and filing, to bookkeeping and marketing. Companies like Latham & Watkins shared that they were deeply impressed with the program. Staff from Kaiser Permanente commented on how the adults were learning more from the students in their department than they ever expected. Overall, sponsors repeated how happy they were that the students would be returning to work following their summer break.

The corporate work study program at ICA enables high school young women to finance a majority of their education. 98% of the 2010 graduating class are attending 2 or 4 year colleges as a result of this strong college-prep program.

About ICA

Immaculate Conception Academy, a Catholic secondary school, prepares young women for college and a life of faith, integrity and service. As a Cristo Rey school in the Dominican tradition, we are committed to providing both excellent education and meaningful corporate work study experiences to students of limited financial resources.

About Cristo Rey

The Cristo Rey Network, highlighted in a 60 Minute interview, is comprised of 24 schools nationwide. All Network schools provide students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds with a quality college preparatory education, academic assistance and counseling to prepare students with a broad range of abilities for college. Through participation in the work study component, students finance a majority of the cost of their education, gain real world job experience, grow in self-confidence, and realize the relevance of their education.

# # #

For more information about ICA or Cristo Rey please visit www.icacademy.org or www.cristoreynetwork.org or contact our Director of Development, Patricia Cavagnaro at pcavagnaro@icacademy.org or 415.824.2052 ext. 31.

What makes ME a Spartan?

2011-06-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

**The next few posts featured on the blog will feature Essay winners and finalist's compositions from a Scholarship contest put on by the Parent Guild. Each of the three winners received a $500 scholarship for the next academic year.**

By: Nemesis Contreras - Freshman

Contest winner!!

Some schools are the Dolphins; others are the Eagles, but me I’m a Spartan. What makes me a Spartan? I’ll tell you. I’m a Spartan because I attend Immaculate Conception Academy, but more than that I’m a woman of faith.

I wake up early in the morning and am present at school ready to learn, while other teenagers are at home still sleeping. Working in the Corporate Work Study program also makes me a Spartan; being the only all girls’ school with this program is truly a responsibility to live up to. I’m in an office filing and delivering various and often important documents to departments at the age of fifteen. While others go to school and are thinking about their jobs, I’m out there taking action and gaining experience in a real office at such an early age.

A Spartan goes out and represents her school like a young lady should, with a respectful, classy attitude. I always keep a positive attitude even during the long days at ICA. A school day may sometimes be as long as nine hours, followed by homework, but as a Spartan it’s my responsibility to turn in all assignments and show nothing but the best of effort in my work. Also, making sure if one of my peers needs help I help them, because being a Spartan does not just mean having good grades and being ambitious. It’s being available to hold your hand out if one of your classmates needs it. I take pride in doing my work at school, while helping others whenever they need help, taking the initiative to join a club, speaking for those who don’t have a voice. To be Spartan you must be energetic, for all the rallies and fun activities at ICA. Go Spartans!

What Makes YOU a True Spartan

2011-05-31T15:39:00.000-07:00

What Makes YOU a True Spartan?

By: Feven Berhane - Sophomore

Essay contest winner!!!

Well, I've thought about this question for over one week. But, let me tell you it can't just be written down on paper. It has to be a way of life. As Spartans we have certain responsibilities normal high school students don't have. We also have benefits normal high school students don't have. When I first applied to ICA I didn't really understand all the extra things that came along with the title of being a Spartan. I had to change my complete way of life. I had to grow up extremely quickly.

First things first, my education. I was given eight classes, which was two more than my other public school friends. In the beginning all I wanted to do was complain about how stressed I was trying to keep up with my classes. My first lesson as a Spartan was that as young women we not only have more classes, but we must do well in these classes. Everybody around me did not just let me pass with decent grades but they helped me do my best. In the ICA community I never felt alone. There was so many ways I could get help with my school work; lunch time tutoring, after school tutoring, and even Saturday school. With all these resources I started to excel in my classes. Some of my friends were not doing as well in their classes and that is when I first realized what it meant to be a Spartan. As a Spartan I became a woman of community. I took extra time out of my hectic schedule to help my classmates out.

Second most important thing was work. I couldn't understand how CWSP expected fourteen year old girls to go to work in corporate offices and not mess up completely. That's when I learned the second and third characteristics in being a Spartan. As a Spartan I had to be respectful and hard working. We were already respectful to our teachers and staff members in school so we had to take everything we learned in school and apply it in the real world. I remember multiple tedious jobs that I had to complete and multiple times I just wanted to give up. I learned that the tedious jobs really made an impact in the office. Someone had to complete them and I realized that you have to start at the bottom and earn your way up. I learned at a young age that you have to work hard and never give up to gain people's confidence in you.

Lastly, I learned what I wanted out of my high school experience. As Spartans we have to be ambitious women. We have to have goals that we want to achieve. I'm not saying that we have to know exactly what we want to do with our lives, because that's a lot to ask from a sophomore. What I mean is we have to want something that we are willing to work hard for. We have to be the drivers in our lives instead of the passenger. I have learned so many lessons from attending ICA and it is only my sophomore year. I hope to grow into a great young woman like every other Spartan before me.

What Makes Me a True Spartan?

2011-05-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

What makes me a TRUE Spartan?

By Diana Guardado - Class of 2012

Contest winner!

A true Spartan is hard to define. To me it is being involved in school with a goal to help others and doing it because it brings you joy. School is not just about grades even though they are very important. It is about growing as a person and learning as much as you can for your future. As a Spartan I follow the ESLERS and go day by day trying to stick to my duties as a class officer. As a Spartan of ICA I work hard to be a good student, but also be a good person and help my fellow classmates and I do it because it makes me happy not because I am seeking anything out of it. It is something that comes from my heart and is sincere.

I am someone who is dedicated to my grades because I know they are my ticket to college, but I also am involved in school. My freshman year I decided to let go of my shyness and run for class officer and from then on I have ran and won each year. I did it because I wanted to be the voice for my class and because I wanted to be able to give my option and make a change. Apart from that I have done CSF/NHS, STRIVE, 2 languages 1 meaning, Softball, and Student council. I have done all of these things because I love being able to help my peers and help the school. I am always there when asked and never do it with a frown.

I follow the ESLERS by being a woman of faith, vision, learning, community, and leadership. I fill all these aspects to the fullest and demonstrate them. Currently I am Junior class president and president of 2 languages 1 meaning, a program that’s has been dedicated to translating at meetings for parents. As presidents of the class I try my hardest along with my fellow officers to improve the year with good attitude and bring fun to a class that is living a stressful year.

Overall school is a challenge but I’m proud of being a Spartan who does what I can to help others. I never think about myself or do it for my benefit but I do it thinking of how I can help improve other things. ICA has done so much for me and I consider myself a TRUE Spartan because I give back. I am very grateful for my years here and for all I have learned. My goal is to be a good Spartan and be able to leave ICA proud of all I have accomplished not only for myself but for my class.

ICA Students Thank Their Sponsors

2011-05-23T14:24:00.001-07:00

The Word Around Town...

2011-05-03T13:36:00.000-07:00

Is that ICA student workers are making a BIG difference in the offices of corporate businesses downtown in the Bay Area. Here's what organizations are saying about the work study program:

Once again, Nina was there by my side saving my busy day. What a great worker, always thinking on her feet!
- KPIX

"Amanda has accomplished all her work tasks in record time and has gone beyond just finishing one but proceeding onto another project without being asked."

- GAP

"I have worked with Selena for the past two years and have seen her grow and mature. I worked with her both in the hospital and on an outside fundraising/adoption project this year. Selena made and organized informational copies and was instrumental in making over 400 cat "noodle" toys in one day. This work was extremely helpful in preparing for our annual Holiday Windows adoption event at Macy's. Selena is always professional and always asks for projects to do."
- SPCA

Christine's performance has been truly outstanding. She always has a positive attitude and works well with the other clerks. She asks the right questions and is very easy to train. Any days she misses she arranges a make-up day, at my convenience. She is very engaging and attentive to the needs of others. She is very receptive to receiving work or training from anyone. I greatly appreciate having her on my team.
- Manatt Phelps & Philips

Gracie has been a valued member of our legal team. She took on additional responsibilities when my assistant transferred to another department and was able to manage the additional workload until we hired a new employee.

- Catholic Healthcare West

We love having Stephani on board. She is one of the best interns our company has ever hired. Thank you Stephani!

- Paul Capital

Wow! for someone as young as Estephania to be so "together," it is truly a blessing. She has wonderful self esteem and appears to be very sure of herself. She is always ready to help, always asks for more, performs all tasks quickly and accurately. I am very impressed with Estephania. With continued motivation she will grow to be a superstar!!!

-Socius Insurance

With the disaster in Japan, we had calls coming into our office requesting information. Sarah was great in filling the role created by these additional calls. She really stepped up and did a great job.

-American Red Cross

Marissa is very helpful. This is a very busy time the Academy with our annual audit and she is constantly fulfilling tasks exceptionally.

-Academy of Art University

We enjoy Laura's pleasant attitude, timely attendance and dedication to helping us gather and maintain archival information. Thank you so much!

-BART

Blue and White Assembly

2011-04-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Today ICA welcomed the 2011-2012 members of Block Society at the Blue and White Assembly. Block is composed of students recognized for their service to their peers and school, enthusiasm, and selfless concern for the common good. President S. Mary Virginia thanked Block for their leadership, service, and positive representation of the Dominican Sisters and the Cristo Rey Network, after which Block Society president Cindy Santisteban addressed the entire school just before the presentation of Block's newest members.

The current block members were called up to the stage holding flowers and once the new members were called forward, they presented them with their flowers and chair symbolic of the moving up. The Assembly ended with the formal signing of the Alma Mater and well wishes for a happy spring break!

2010-2011 Block Society

Stephany Cachet, Amber Joseph, Alexa Palacios, Cindy Santisteban, Eliana Barrera, Elisa Jimenez, Maria Ocon, Jocelyn Sabillon, Joyce Weaver

2011-2012 Block Society

Madesyn Boger, Paula Dittmann, Josefina Roque, Veronica Trigueros, Theresa Chase, Tatiana Guzman, Tiffany Sanchez, Melissa Vallecillo

Congratulations ladies!!!!!

What is the Corporate Work Study Program?

2011-04-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

And what does it mean?

A student worker’s point of view:

By Ashley Sinclair, Junior at ICA

A few weeks ago I had lunch with two of Korn/Ferry’s employees, Yvette Nichols and Leah Laxamana. We talked about what I wanted to do when I’m older, how work is going, what I could improve on, and my experiences here at Korn/Ferry International. It seems like an eternity ago that I was a mere sophomore starting my first day at Korn/Ferry.

I was, I admit, shy.

I was timid and nervous starting out with such an important position. Celina, a good friend of mine, had started out before me. At the time, Celina was the receptionist on our class’s work days. Luckily, I was placed at Korn/Ferry to help Celina with not only reception but other office duties as well.

At Korn/Ferry all the interns are, on different days of the week, the receptionist. We greet the executives coming in, clean up the conference rooms, edit resumes and help out with any projects our administrators need.

I realized that this year it was very different for ALL OF US. This year I am the only ICA student worker on Tuesdays and at first being a receptionist full time was very stressful. It was an adjustment. I had to be on my game and I had to be a role model for the incoming freshman. I had to relearn a few things and there was pressure to be even more professional and efficient than last year, not to mention, learning how to be more confident, calm, open, and engaging!

It takes talent to work at the reception desk all day greeting visitors. You have to look neat, clean, and professional while juggling a workload. I have learned how to adjust to the hectic pace and as this year has progressed I’ve grown more confident, punctual, efficient, and yes, professional. This has made it easier for me, but I am still learning new things and how to improve.

Working at Korn/Ferry has made me realize how grateful I am for my job. I appreciate my amazing co-workers and the experiences I’ve gained. I understand now how many opportunities I will have because of this program through the “blood, sweat and tears” (as the saying goes). I was, and still am, lucky to continue my employment at Korn/Ferry International. I believe with such an important role I will be able to succeed in the business and fashion world much faster than any other student my age coming into the workforce.

What I LOVE most about Korn/Ferry is that all the executives are friendly, warm and enjoy working here. They are willing to work with you and listen to you. At Korn/Ferry you are treated just like any other co-worker. In a professional way, Korn/Ferry is like a class. At ICA we have our sisterhood within our class. The same is true at Korn/Ferry. All of the employees seem to be a part of something. There’s a structural unit, and everyone works together to turn out profit. A lot of the employees enjoy what they do and from the way Yvette, Leah, and the others have treated me, they all seem to be interested and concerned with what is going on in our lives.

In short, I love my job here at Korn/Ferry and I hope more interns are able to have the same experience the other student workers and I have had.

My advice to the ICA students & fellow interns is this:

“After you leave ICA you WILL benefit from the work-study program! We all have tough days but in the end we ALL will be able to move toward a brighter future.”

Ashley and Yvette at the Korn Ferry offices

An Executive’s Perspective:

By Yvette Nichols, Client Partner – Korn/Ferry International

Last week I had lunch with one of our high school student workers from Immaculate Conception Academy, Ashley Sinclair. This is the second year Ashley has participated in ICA’s Cristo Rey Program with our organization Korn/Ferry International, and I believe it has been a memorable experience for both of us. Having four high school students in our office every week has allowed me to see our world through the eyes of a teenager, while providing me a chance to reflect a bit on the work we do.

Here at Korn/Ferry, we’re in the business of recruiting senior level executives. As executive search consultants, we meet with executives every day and assess their skills against our clients’ needs and requirements. Over the last few years, during the economic downturn, I spoke with many executives who were taking their recent unemployment as an opportunity to think of “doing something different.” When I asked them what exactly “something different” would be, I was struck by how difficult it was for individuals to answer. It’s interesting how often our perception of “what we do next” as adults is based on what our recent experience has been instead of what we were once passionate about, dreamed of, or are just plain capable of.

Five minutes into my lunch with Ashley I was already impressed by the limitless opportunities that await each of our ICA interns. When I asked Ashley what she wants to be when she “grows up,” she immediately replied that she’ll be pursuing two paths. The first path entails Ashley leveraging her incredible fashion design and sewing skills to be the next Tim Burton meets Lady Gaga (her words, not mine). There is no doubt she is capable of becoming a successful and powerful fashion and costume designer.

Her second path will include shark conservation and studying marine biology, ultimately swimming with sharks in the open sea. As difficult as it is to imagine, it’s important to note that neither of these options will be chosen at the expense of the other and that both will be achieved (imagine that! Not an either/or situation!).

While each of the ICA interns have their own unique interests and goals they are pursuing, the skills they are learning here in our office will only add to the confidence they exude out in the world, no matter what path they choose to go down. When they first started in their roles at our reception desk they were shy. Now, I see them interact with visitors exuberating confidence and poise. They tell us about their upcoming exams and how their weekends were spent. We’ve formed friendships. We are all in awe of the amazing workload these girls juggle and more importantly the smiles they possess while doing their work.

Each day that I am able to interact with our ICA interns inspires me to look at the world through their eyes. So, my take away is this. The next executive I meet with, I think the first and most important questions I ask might be what they are passionate about and what they love before I ask them what they are good at. While I like to think that I may have shared some tokens of wisdom with Ashley during our lunch; I would be much more accurate in saying that it is she and the other interns who have inspired me. (The only thing I ask in return from Ashley is that she hires me as her executive recruiter as she builds her fashion empire!)

Bumper Car Wars 2011!

2011-04-01T09:44:00.000-07:00

By Laurel Reitman, Physics teacher at ICA

For the past few years, the girls have participated in a bumper car project as a short introduction to engineering for all Physics students. They learn to solder, drill, saw and design a tethered miniature bumper car given only the basics -- wire, switches, wood, glue and a couple of gear kits – everything else they design and make themselves.

Bumper Cars from last year dueling it out

At the end of the project, each bumper car created is entered in a competition. This year, the students’ cars were required to pop a piñata and grab candy to score points. There were two teams, The Giraffes vs. The Dinosaurs! The contest was very dramatic as the cars “bumped,” pushed, swatted, and flipped one another in their pursuit of victory.

At the buzzer the score was tied, and the cars had to go into “sudden death overtime.” Each team could pick only one car to compete for the win. The Giraffes were nervous, as one of their cars had an “injury” malfunction, and the team hoped the car was up to the challenge of taking the final piece of candy. The Dinosaurs, on the other hand, seemed hopeful as they had started off strong in the beginning of the competition, and were now determined to win the game.

The audience and participants were on the edge of their seats as the sudden death began! After a lot of pushing and turning, the Giraffes pulled through and made their strong dash to victory!

How to Achieve "Scholarship Success"

2011-03-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Applying for the Gates Millennium Scholarship

Written by: Cindy Santisteban 11'

It was 2:36 a.m. when I finally completed my last essay for the Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship. The next day, I woke up feeling very tired and anxious, but I was also feeling unusually happy and extremely relieved. Applying for the Gates Millennium Scholarship is an experience that I will never forget. The process consisted of twelve pages of personal information along with eight different essay prompts. (http://www.gmsp.org/)

The application was due on January 10^th, but I found myself in the last few days of winter break with more work to do on it. I honestly could not have completed it without the help of my college guidance counselor Ms. Vaccaro. She guided me through every essay prompt and helped me correct mistakes that I made along the way.

From my experiences in the application process this year, I have a few suggestions to any Juniors interested in applying for this scholarship next year:

1) Do not procrastinate! Start it as soon as it is available online, which is in August.

2) Go to Ms. Vaccaro! (or your college guidance counselor if not an ICA student) This one is a bit self-explanatory, but you should show her all eight of your essays so that she can help you edit them and give you great advice.

3) Just do it! If you’re not sure about whether or not you should apply, then do it! Yes, eight essays is a lot of work to do, but at the same time you are doing yourself a favor because you can copy and paste those similar essay prompts for other scholarships.

Words cannot describe how excited I am to go to college. In about a week from now, I will hear back from UC Berkeley, which is my first choice. If I am not accepted, then I’ll most likely go to UC Davis or St. Mary’s College. Senior year was by far the toughest year I have ever gone through. It’s hard to maintain good grades, do well at work, stay committed to extra-curricular activities, and apply to colleges all at once. Luckily, I had support from my parents, friends, teachers, and my supervisors from work, who were constantly encouraging me along the way.

Even if I don’t get accepted into Cal, or if I don’t win the Gates Millennium Scholarship, I still feel proud of what I have accomplished because I know that it has helped shape the person that I am today.

Cindy giving a speech at this year's Women's Business Luncheon

Gates Millennium Scholarships will select 1,000 talented students to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university of their choice. We provide Gates Millennium Scholars with personal and professional development through our leadership programs along with academic support throughout their college career.

Human Rights Awareness Week

2011-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

The End

Human Rights Awareness Week closed with a powerful presentation by filmmaker Theo Rigby and a screening of his documentary Sin Pais (Without Country) followed by a question and answer session afterwards. It was truly inspiring to see the young women of our school connect on such a deep level with the often controversial topic of immigration. Their poignant questions created a healthy dialog about the problems and potential solutions related to undocumented citizens and their families here in the U.S.

Below is part one of the conversation between Theo and the students. To watch the full series click HERE

Theo Rigby discussing his film Sin Pais

Wednesday, March 2nd

“We call upon all people of good will, but Catholics especially, to welcome the newcomers in their neighborhoods and schools, in their places of work and worship, with heartfelt hospitality, openness, and eagerness both to help and to learn from our brothers and sisters, of whatever race, religion, ethnicity, or background.”

“Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity and Diversity” a statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 2000.

Tuesday, March 1st

A prayer written by human rights activist, Cesar Chavez:

Show me the suffering of the most miserable;

So I will know my people's plight.

Free me to pray for others;

For you are present in every person.

Help me to take responsibility for my own life;

So that I can be free at last.

Grant me courage to serve others;

For in service there is true life.

Give me honesty and patience;

So that I can work with other workers.

Bring forth song and celebration;

So that the Spirit will be alive in us.

Let the spirit flourish and grow;

So that we will never tire of the struggle.

Let us remember those who have died for justice;

For they have given us life.

Help us to love even those who hate us;

So we can change the world.

Amen.

Monday, February 28
This week ICA celebrates Human Rights Awareness Week. During this time, students are invited to explore and reflect on an area where the needs of humanity may not be fully met. This year, we are focusing on those who have migrated to our country seeking a better life. As the story of the United States continues to evolve, students will be asked to consider their own story. Whether we come from families who have been here for several generations, or just a few, we all have a story to share. Students will also be challenged to consider ways that they can help increase a positive awareness in the world about the needs of immigrants.

As a foundation for the topics that will be discussed on the blog this week, here is a quote from:
"Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity and Diversity” a statement of the U.S. Catholic Bishops, 2000.

“The Immigration and Naturalization Service estimates that three to four million undocumented workers hold jobs in this country, many of which are poorly paid, insecure, and dangerous. They face discrimination in the workplace and on the streets, the constant threat of arrest and deportation, and the fear that they or their children will be denied medical care, education, or job opportunities. Many have lived in the U.S. for years, establishing roots in their communities, building their families, paying taxed, and contributing to the economy. If arrested and deported, they leave behind children and sometimes spouses who are American citizens……..Without condoning undocumented migration, the Church supports the human rights of all people and offers them pastoral care, education, and social services, no matter what the circumstances of entry into this country, and it works for the respect of the human dignity of all – especially those who find themselves in desperate situations.”

"So much has changed!... So much the same!"

2011-02-24T11:43:00.000-08:00

By: Sister Mary Virginia Leach O.P. ‘68

President of ICA

“Hundreds have received their education here [at ICA], and the Sisters have labored unceasingly to train these girls into noble Catholic womanhood.” -The School Echo

“So much has changed! Yet, so much is the same!” It is so true! This statement recently made by a graduate of ICA about her alma mater, made me smile. So much HAS changed since I walked the halls of ICA as a student (in the dark ages: 1964-1968!). The students now are so aware of technology, global concerns, and the breadth of life choices for their future.

The young women of ICA are quick, savvy, and certain of themselves. As a Cristo Rey school, our girls spend 5 days each month earning their tuition through employment in Bay Area businesses. They participate in a work study program that is new for ICA as of August 2009, which includes a corporate, entry-level work experience as part of the curriculum for every student. The program is the foundation for the Cristo Rey Network, and ICA is proud to be a part of this innovative movement.

When I was an ICA student, I did babysitting and held a high school summer and weekend job at a Mission Street dime store, (Kress -- in competition with Newberry's and Woolworth's!). My job was a blessing for the fun money it provided. But, as I watch our ICA young women come and go to professional work offices each day, I see them earn a good portion of their tuition in settings that inspire for college and a brighter future. I know they are receiving a better "life skills" education in addition to preparing for college.

Still, despite the adoption of the Cristo Rey model so much about ICA has remained the same! The school has always been about formation in faith values, community building, connections that last among friends, challenging classes with college as the goal, and young women enjoying fun times together. A great spirit was and still is a hallmark of our school. Uniforms, homework, tests and rules remain, so do laughter, hopes, and dreams among the beautiful women who call ICA their alma mater. So much has changed..... yet so much remains the same!

If you are an alumna who hasn't come back to ICA for a visit in a long time, please do come! The students love to meet and hear the stories of fellow Spartans.

Young Spartans from the early 1900's

Modern day Senior Class

New Semester Brings Exciting Events

2011-02-10T12:36:00.000-08:00

“Getting Fit with Physics!”

By Laurel Reitman, Physics Teacher

In Conceptual Physics, students will participate in a joint project with their PE class called "Get Fit with Physics!" For the project, they will measure their velocity, acceleration, and force in a variety of exercises. Then they will spend a few weeks exercising using a particular routine. Midway through the project, they will take new measurements and see how they have progressed. They can change or keep their exercise routine based on their measurements. After a few more weeks, they'll measure one more time and report on their growth. This will all be done using new handheld data collector and graphing devices paid for by a generous ($5000) grant from the Toshiba America Foundation.

In Physics, students will be building bumper cars. They will design the circuit, construct the body, and drill and solder it all into place! In a March assembly, the bumper cars will battle in front of the whole school. This is our sixth annual competition, and it promises to be an entertaining one!

Two projects from last year battle it out for the win!

A new semester for the Freshman Church History course

By Rachel DeBruin, Religious Studies Teacher

Our newly structured Religious Studies curriculum requires that all freshmen take a new course on Church History, which we are moving into the second semester of now. In this class we will cover the history of the Catholic Church from the crowning of Charlemagne as the Holy Roman Emperor all the way through to the Second Vatican Council.

We are looking forward to a number of projects this semester including a class newspaper and a panel on religious vocations. Each period of Church History will prepare an all-class newspaper describing the events of the Middle-Ages in the Church, to distribute to the other periods. On February 17^th local vowed religious, lay people and priests will join our students to help them understand the different religious vocations, as well as how these vocations and the religious communities have changed.

We are excited to continue to learn about the impact the Catholic Church has had throughout history!

“Building Bridges”

By Stephany Cachet, ICA Senior

Every year, a select group of students participates in the EAA Bridge Competition. For those that don't know, EAA stands for Engineers Alliance for the Arts. The EAA was founded by a group of leading San Francisco Bay Area structural engineers, which integrates a hands-on approach to education. Professional structural engineers volunteer once a week, for 6 to 8 weeks, to come into the classroom to teach high school students the basics of bridge construction.

Last year I had the opportunity to compete in this wonderful competition. Our Honors Pre-Calculus split up into three groups; each to build their own separate bridge for the competition. We were presented three scenarios by our volunteer engineers Natalie, Taryn, and Dana, that we would be building bridges for. After picking a scenario we learned about the many types of bridges and how they functioned. Using the information we learned, we slowly and carefully started designing and building our bridges.

Students working on a bridge last year

Joanna Abot, Cindy Santisteban, and I chose the second scenario for which we could build a bridge. This scenario described a situation in which a bridge was needed to connect two parts of a community that was separated by the Anacostia River. As a team we came to the conclusion that a double-decker suspension bridge would best accommodate the needs of the community. Working steadily for 2-3 weeks, we finally completed our bridge. On the day of the competition, we presented our bridge to a panel of judges and to an audience of about 100 people and students. Although we didn't win a major prize, we “took the cake” for an award in presentation. ICA brought home other various awards as well.

A completed bridge from last year

Overall, the EAA bridge competition was a wonderful opportunity to be a part of. Being exposed to a career that was male dominated was very empowering. Although I am not planning to pursue a career in engineering, I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to “step into the shoes” of an engineer, if only for a couple weeks. The competition was not only a good experience career-wise, it was also a major confidence builder and helped me to improve my public speaking skills. This experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget.

Stay tuned to see how this year’s Bridge Building Groups perform!

EXPERIENCE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER.

2011-01-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

ICA’s Women’s Business Luncheon

Written by: Caroline Curran,

Special Events Coordinator at Immaculate Conception Academy

In my last blog post (http://icacademy.blogspot.com/2010/10/top-100-women-owned-businesses-luncheon.html) I wrote about the exciting adventure that I had attending the San Francisco Business Times “Top 100 Women Owned Businesses” Luncheon with two wonderful ICA students. Now I would love to share about the inspiration that resulted from attending that luncheon:

On Thursday, January 27^th, 2011 over 195 guests will attend the first annual Women’s Business Luncheon: EXPERIENCE. EDUCATE. EMPOWER. A wonderful event committee has planned a special afternoon to celebrate the many female business leaders in the Bay Area who continuously serve as role models for the young women of Immaculate Conception Academy. After several brainstorming meetings throughout the fall, the committee settled on 11:30am on January 27^th at The City Club of San Francisco and immediately began counting down to the big day!

With only 2 days until the event, things are running smoothly! We are thrilled to have as our guest speaker, Kathy Tierney, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Sur la Table. She will speak about her experiences and education and how the combination empowered her as the CEO of Smith & Hawken and Sur la Table. The emcee for the luncheon is Carol Brandi, member of ICA’s Board of Directors.

The goal for the luncheon is to celebrate women in the working world: both the women at the luncheon who have paved the way and the young women of ICA who participate in a corporate work-study program.

It has been such a wonderful experience working with the luncheon committee to plan the event. We were all thrilled when we asked First Republic Bank to sponsor the event and they said yes! Other sponsors include San Francisco Business Times, 7x7 San Francisco, Plum District, Bare Escentuals, Sur la Table, TCHO Chocolate, Taft Street Winery and Mighty Leaf Tea Company.

Tickets are still available for the luncheon at http://icaluncheon.eventbrite.com/ or if you have questions you can call me at 415.824.2052 ext. 40

Hope to see you there!

Part of the Solution for Education Today

2011-01-24T14:38:00.000-08:00

Written by: Elizabeth Garvin, Assistant Director of Development

Last Thursday ICA was fortunate enough to have two Cristo Rey celebrities join us in San Francisco. Fr. John Foley–founder and Rob Birdsell–president of the Cristo Rey Network came and spoke to over 25 business professionals about how the innovative Cristo Rey educational model can benefit San Francisco businesses while also supporting the education of financially disadvantaged students.

Mr. Birdsell shared some impressive statistics on the success of the Network:

Over 85% of Cristo Rey Graduates have enrolled in college from the Class of 2008
For this group over 80% have matriculated into sophomore year and if the student went to a 4 year private college the chance of making into sophomore year is over 90% Source: National Student Clearinghouse
Cristo Rey Students will earn over $30 Million to support their college prep education this year
83% of businesses hiring Cristo Rey students across the country have renewed their contracts for a second year.

This is something to celebrate!

Rob Birdsell explained, “Nationally, education is in a state of crisis, but Cristo Rey provides us with a bit of hope. We are not the answer to the problem, but we are definitely part of the solution.”

Fr. Foley, who has seen the growth of the Network since day one spoke honestly about those first days in 1996, “I was the biggest skeptic on whether this was feasible but on the first day of work, corporations were calling and thanking us for sending the kids to work in their offices. We went from hiding in uncertainty under the table to 24 schools nationwide.”

The events were very successful and ICA was thrilled to have representatives attending from Bay Area corporations such as Wells Fargo, Genentech, Swirl Integrated Marketing and Bechtel Corporation. It is clear that the word is spreading about Cristo Rey nationally and Immaculate Conception Academy locally- people want to be a part of the education solution.

As Fr. Foley simply stated, “Businesses feel good; the students feel good; it's all around a win/win situation."

Fr. Foley and Rob Birdsell at ICA

ICA is looking forward in 2011

2011-01-19T15:15:00.000-08:00

ICA is starting 2011 with a lot of news to share about new job sponsors, the junior retreat, and two exciting events: The Women’s Business Luncheon: EXPERIENCE. EDUCATE. EXPLORE and a special presentation by Eileen O’Kane’s junior history students, Finding American Identity through Oral History.

New Job Sponsors
We are proud to announce the addition of five new job sponsors: Buchalter Nemer, Morrison Foerster, KPMG, The Open Group and PENSCO Trust Company. Our students will start working with these new sponsors on January 24th. The corporations that partner with ICA make our unique program possible: we appreciate and thank all our sponsors for their support!

“Unmasking” at the Junior Retreat
During the first week of January, the entire Junior Class at ICA got to leave the worries of looming finals, busy work days and hectic schedules for two days to come together as a class on retreat. Clarissa Liwanag ’12 shares a bit about the experience she had with her classmates:

Student leading her peers in prayer

“The theme of this year's junior retreat was ‘Unmasking.’ Each person in the junior class had the opportunity not only to reveal, but to explore our own and each other's true character. With the gentle guidance of Mrs. Roybal, ICA Campus Minister, and the student Campus Ministry Team, we each found the courage to break down the walls which keep us from revealing our honest selves, for whatever reason. Getting on such a deep level with my classmates made us all feel like a family—We are now able to share and expose our true selves without worry or fear that we will we judge one another. The beautiful Los Gatos mountains were the background to an equally beautiful experience credited to the companionship of such BEAUTIFUL classmates- what could be better? Nothing.”

EXPERIENCE. EDUCATE. EXPLORE.

The Women’s Business Luncheon

Next week on January 27, 2011, over 150 guests will gather at the City Club of San Francisco where Immaculate Conception Academy will have the opportunity to thank the many women role models who inspire ICA students. The lead sponsor for the Luncheon is First Republic Bank and media sponsors include 7x7 and SF Business Times. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Kathy Tierney, Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Sur la Table, as well as learn more about the innovative educational model at ICA.

Finding American Identity through Oral History

On Friday, January 28, our community is looking forward to hearing from Juniors in Eileen O’Kane’s History classes as they share research projects. In December, these students were online with students from 14 other cities around the world including Shanghai, China; Cape Town, South Africa; Toronto, Canada; London, England and cities in the U.S. Thanks to Eileen’s involvement with Facing History and Ourselves, ICA is one of only 14 schools asked to participate in their pilot program where students post their oral history projects to share and discuss with students near and far. The students have been working hard conducting oral history interviews on topics such as homelessness, teen pregnancy, gang violence, immigration, gay rights and bullying in an effort to give voice to those who often go unnoticed in our society.

Eileen also partnered with the local group Voices of Witness http://voiceofwitness.org/ to help organize the projects. Students used new media tools such as digital recording devices and video to bring these stories to life. “These presentations are an opportunity to look at American identity and belonging” comments Eileen, “and to give voice to the voiceless in our own community.”

Students are planning a community showing of their projects on January 28^th, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (ICA’s Auditorium is at the corner of 24^th and Guerrero); feel free to stop by and learn through the eyes of ICA students.

What a great way to start the year off on a positive note!

With these inspiring events happening in just the first month of 2011, ICA is looking forward to all that the New Year has to offer. Many thanks go out to all of our sponsors, the students, and the wonderful faculty and staff here at ICA who help to keep the Spartan spirit alive.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas! Emmanuel! God-With-Us! It's truly reason to celebrate! And JESUS is the reason for the season! At this beautiful time of celebration, with JOY filling our hearts and spirits, all of us in the ICA Community pray blessings upon each of you and yours. We Ho-Ho-Hope New Year 2011 will be filled with abundant graces. God bless you!

President Sister Mary Virginia Leach with students

And a Merry Christmas from the Cristo Rey Network schools!

What's going on in class today?

2010-12-03T14:50:00.000-08:00

Spartan’s at ICA have the unique opportunity to go and work in a corporate office setting for 5 days of each month, but they also encounter unique experiences within the classroom. ICA courses take students beyond the traditional classroom setting just as their work-study does. Students participate in outings and projects where they are encouraged to encounter, explore, and create within their subject matters.

In Eileen O’Kane’s history class, they have the chance to see their textbook come alive in a variety of ways. Recently, Mrs. O’Kane hosted a field trip for her students to go and see Roxana Saberi, author of Between Two Worlds: My Life and Captivity in Iran. The event was a “Community Conversation” presented and funded by Facing History and Ourselves and the Allstate Foundation.

Roxana is an American whose mother immigrated from Japan and her father from Iran. After studying journalism, she decided to move to Iran to discover more about her Iranian culture/background. While she was there, she worked on a book about what Iran and its inhabitants are really like. In January 2009, she was arrested by Iranian intelligence and detained for 100 days in Evin Prison. She wrote about this experience and is an advocate for human rights and “prisoners of conscious.”

Students were able to listen to Roxana’s amazing story and received a copy of her book!

In Gigi Tan’s Geometry class, students were able to not only take what they encountered in the text and explore it, but they were able to physically apply their knowledge in a fun, creative project called “Geometric Town.”

For the project, groups of students were required to build towns according to geometric specifications. For instance, there had to be three parallel roads, two that were perpendicular, and two that intersected. There also had to be a park, 10 buildings, three sets of directions, and five other elements of the students’ choice which fulfilled various measures of square footage, perimeter, and circumference.

The project resulted in colorful and creative towns constructed by the students!

Both in and outside of the classroom, students at ICA are always hard at work!

ICA gives thanks

2010-11-24T09:13:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving draws closer, we begin to reflect on the things that we are most grateful for this season. For some it is family and friends, while for others it may be a major accomplishment such as running a marathon or seeing snow for the first time. For ICA, it is the wonderful community which has thrived here in San Francisco for the past 128 years.

This year, ICA is getting ready for Thanksgiving by giving back to the community both locally and at large. On Monday, November 22, students and faculty gathered after school to crochet/knit 7X9 inch rectangles of fabric to send to Warm up America, a non-profit which provides warmth for those less fortunate.

Warm up America was created in a small Wisconsin town and has been warming people’s lives since 1991. It began with residents knitting and crocheting afghans for neighbors in need. Today, Warm up America distributes knitted/crocheted clothing to thousands of people in America. When campus minister, Stefani Roybal, discovered the organization she decided to create a pre-Thanksgiving event on campus to help contribute to the cause.

Before

During

After

In addition to giving back to the community, ICA also held a prayer service today, to wish students, faculty and staff a happy Thanksgiving Holiday. Math teacher Mary Ann Provence gave a beautiful reflection on the difference between entitlement and gratitude. “We often forget to thank others for the little things,” Mary Ann explained, “but as soon as we learn to recognize that we are grateful, and not entitled to small courtesies, we can breed a sense of joy and kind action. A strong sense of gratitude has a positive correlation to the amount of joy in our life.”

Here at ICA, we want to thank everyone in our ICA community for their support and encouragement.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

$8,000 in lab equipment donated to ICA

2010-11-15T12:32:00.000-08:00

Exelixis, a biopharmaceutical company that develops therapies to help improve the lives of patients with cancer, donated $8,000-$10,000 worth of lab equipment to ICA at the beginning of November.

Sophomore Brandi working on a lab project

After closing down one of their laboratory facilities in the Bay Area, Exelixis began donating lab equipment to local universities. Siamak Dialami, a research scientist in medicinal chemistry, contacted ICA biology teacher Anya Manes, offering to let her come and take any equipment she felt would be useful for the school. Anya was able to see the Exelixis labs and drive away with great supplies for ICA, including hot plates, electronic balances, test tubes, electrophoresis sets and more!

The ICA community is very grateful for the generous equipment donation from Exelixis, which the students are already utilizing to the fullest!

If you would like to donate to ICA, please contact Patricia Cavagnaro, Director of Development, at pcavagnaro@icacademy.org or (415) 824-2052 x31.

October at ICA: Month in Review

2010-11-08T19:33:00.000-08:00

The month of October was a busy one at ICA, featuring our largest fundraising event to date, a visit from the founder of the Cristo Rey Network, and the receipt of more than $1M in scholarship money during ICA’s 8^th annual On-Site Admissions Day. All this and a celebration of World Series Championship winner, The San Francisco Giants!

ICA’s 3^rd annual Gala, “The Journey Continues”, was held October 21 at the St. Francis Yacht Club, with emcee CBS 5 reporter Kate Kelly. It was a wonderful evening and through the generous support of 250 guests, more than $56,000 was raised for ICA students that evening.

Honorary speaker Fr. John P. Foley S.J., founder of the Cristo Rey Network, gave a powerful speech about the Cristo Rey Network reporting that: “last year, Cristo Rey students earned over $35M dollars for their education.” Guests were also introduced to the ICA community through a brief video, which you can watch HERE. ICA sophomore Angelina Brand shared a testimonial expressing how ICA-Cristo Rey has shown her different possibilities for her future along with providing a network of support from her ICA family.

Through the fantastic leadership of our Gala chairs: Jeanie, Mary and George Lawson, the net revenue for “The Journey Continues” Gala is estimated to be more than $210,000. The support for our students and school was overwhelming and we cannot thank all the friends of ICA enough for being a part of our journey.

Father John P. Foley S. J. founder of the Cristo Rey Network, was named the winner of the 2010 Manhattan Institute Social Entrepreneurship Award by the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research! The award honors non profit leaders who have founded innovative, private organizations to help address some of America’s most pressing social problems. Read more.

Fr. Foley also maintains a blog, which has a new post up about Cristo Rey International. Be sure to check it out!
http://cristoreynetwork.wordpress.com/

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a leadership training program for young people between the ages of 14 and 30. This program emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth and Rotary recognizes young people who are rendering service to their communities. Five ICA students applied and were accepted to participate in the program at YMCA Point Bonita, where they attended an all expense paid workshop to discuss leadership skills and learn them through practice. Learn more about RYLA.

ICA's 8th Annual On-Site Admission Day held on Oct 21, was a priceless experience where 50 students applied to six colleges and 31 students received early action acceptance letters for admission to college. Out of 164 applications, there was a 41% admission acceptance rate for early action. In addition to the colleges students applied and received admission to, seven other colleges provided a mini-college fair. No students were declined admission, but rather were given advice on how to strengthen their applications for regular admission. At the end of the event, more than $1M in scholarships was awarded to students of the class of 2010!

Halloween was celebrated with a series of fun activities on Oct. 29:

Live music: "Baby" -- Justin Bieber

"Spookiest Costume"

Be sure to check back soon for more ICA news! Go Spartans!!

The top 100 Women Owned Businesses Luncheon

2010-10-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

By Caroline Curran, Special Events Coordinator

“The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.”
—Socrates

From Left: Katherine, Caroline, Illci
At the end of September, S. Lilly and I had the privilege of chaperoning ICA students, Illci and Katherine, to the San Francisco Business Times Top 100 Women Owned Businesses Luncheon at the Hilton in Union Square. We were excited to be the guest of honoree, and friend of ICA, Robin McCroskey Azevedo. On our way to the event, the four of us had no idea of the adventure that was ahead of us.

On our Bart ride downtown, S. Lilly and I reminded Illci and Katherine to think back to everything they had learned at Camp Rey: make eye contact during introductions, have a firm handshake, and speak clearly. When we arrived at the Hilton, we were all taken aback by the dazzling grand ballroom. There were over 400 professional women in attendance. Guests were mingling and sharing stories about work, along with finding many things in common.

Illci and Katherine were shining stars in their Cristo Rey uniform. They were able to relate to the discussions of these successful business women and we all bonded over our similar experiences: having first day work jitters, gaining confidence, and putting your best foot forward. Illci and Katherine explained the Cristo Rey model to many guests, who were captivated by the innovative program and wanted to hear more.

When we sat down for lunch, we were even more surprised to find that our table was right next to the stage. What luck!

Some of the lunchtime events were: Mrs. Azevedo being honored in the top 100 Women Owned Businesses in San Francisco; and Mary Huss, Publisher at San Francisco Business Times, announcing the top businesses starting at 100, while counting down to number 1—With each name she read, there was applause from one of the 40 tables as guests were thrilled to hear their name announced. We all cheered as Robin Azevedo walked on stage to receive her award.

From Left: Illci, S. Lilly Fitzpatrick, Robin Azevedo, and Katherine

Each recipient took the stage, received their award, and had the opportunity to answer one of the following questions in ten words or less: what is the key to your success? What advice would you give to other women? The answers were truly inspiring: “never give up, hang in there," "take care of yourself, which means get a good night's rest," "hire the right people. This is a team effort. I would not be standing here today if it were not for my team."

At the end of a hard work day we felt that Robin Azevedo’s words rang true, “Sleep well and live well.”

ICA's 'Good News' continues

2010-09-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

The first month of this school year has come and passed and I've really started to enjoy watching and witnessing the faces and reactions of folks who gather for the first time to hear about ICA and our Cristo Rey adventure. Just this week, a number of business professionals came to learn more about us and how to help spread the word about the ICA—Cristo Rey mission to others.

At our Wine Tour Wednesday gathering, our guests received a tour of our school—given by poised and informed young women of ICA, watched a video clip from TV's 60 Minutes about the first Cristo Rey school along with how it began in Chicago, listened to some comments from myself and a few of our supportive Board members, and of course were served wine and cheese as they mingled!

During the event I saw faces that were:

intrigued by the concept of a work-study program that offsets tuition costs
interested and supportive, while nodding in agreement with what they heard
doubtful and then amazed as they listened to our student’s success stories at work and their contributions as valuable employees in a corporate office

It’s hard to avoid reading about gloomy stories concerning our nation’s educational system in newspapers, however the ICA / Cristo Rey story offers a positive message affirming the potential of today's youth. It's a hopeful, promising story that evokes positive nods, interested questions, and lots of smiles. I guess that's why we call it "GOOD NEWS!"

If you or someone you know would like to come visit us at ICA and learn more about our work-study program, please contact Caroline Curran in our Development Department for the next WTW date: ccurran@icacademy.org or 415.824.2052 x40.

Help us spread the GOOD NEWS about ICA!

Business Professionals at Wine Tour Wednesday listening attentively during a presentation of ICA and the Cristo Rey Network

Special Profile: Stefani Roybal

2010-09-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

ICA has a number of new faces this year, with one of them shining especially bright. Stefani Roybal is the latest edition to the ICA family and is working as the school’s campus minister and also as a religion teacher.

In her own words, Stefani explains what drew her to ICA, what she hopes to accomplish over the next year, and the steps that have already been taken to get there thus far.

"The first thing that attracted me to ICA was the fact that it is a Dominican school. I have been blessed by the ministry of the Dominicans in high school, college, and in working in college Campus Ministries. I was curious about the Cristo Rey model ICA adopted last year and thought that an all girl’s school would be a welcomed change. I love to lead students in planning their own liturgies. My belief is that when they make it their own, they can begin to make their faith their own as well. I also enjoy retreat work and seeing students have a good time in a spiritual setting.

My plan for this first year at ICA is to help make the liturgies more engaging for students. Vatican II called for "full, conscious, active participation" in worship. However, many people are not aware of what that means, even after almost 50 years since the council's close. With Vatican II's call in mind, I hope to empower my 18 campus ministers to use their faith and creativity to provide a welcoming environment where all kinds of prayer styles are welcome. I hope to have some "fun" prayer services in addition to traditional, meditative, and reflective ones. Everyone's spirituality is different, with no two souls being alike.

Recently, at our Welcome Week Prayer Service, I told the girls to "think outside the box". We were not limited by the structure of the mass so we had room for some different things. I am grateful to Vernon Bush, our choir director, who took the theme of welcome and hospitality and found some music that would fit. I also worked with him on a closing song that would convey a message to the girls of 'being sent forth from prayer to make a difference in the world'.

The foundation for the Welcome Week Prayer Service was first laid during the summer when some of our campus ministers attended a leadership retreat. While there they participated in prayerful movement during the reading of the Gospel. This experience was so meaningful to them that they wanted to repeat it at school. They provided interpretive movement during a poem read by a student on welcoming a friend. One campus minister gave a reflection on the reading from Hebrews about 'entertaining angels unaware' then shared her story of being welcomed at ICA as a transfer student. A senior also provided a visual example of welcoming students through a movie she made. The campus ministry team displayed their creativity, hard work, and passion in such a wonderful way, that I look forward to how the year will unfold with them in leadership.

Our next big event is the Freshman Retreat, September 30th. Please keep us in your prayers as we work to provide an environment for our freshmen to pray, play, and build community."

Stefani Roybal has worked as a liturgist at the Arizona State University, Newman Center (Tempel, AZ); a Pastoral Associate at the University of Oregon, Newman Center (Eugene, OR); a Parish Initiation Coordinator at St. Bartholomew Parish (San Mateo, CA); a Campus Minister at St. Joseph Notre Dame (Alameda, CA); and took "a break from ministry" while managing the parish office at her parish, St. Matthias (Redwood City, CA).

Sculpting out the Future

2010-09-09T11:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, My name is Ngozi Ogbonna. During this past summer, I took a ceramics class at Skyline College (http://www.skylinecollege.edu/). While in class, I sculpted different objects that I never thought I would be able to do. I made a giant green frog, a colorful building, and a Dragonball Z character.

A friend of mine took the class with me, so that also added to the excitement. We met a bunch of new people that we still stay in touch with, which helped to broaden our perspectives of life outside of ICA.

I highly suggest that other kids in high school take a class like this, because it is very relaxing and you get a dose of what college is like before you get there. Not only did I sculpt out fun projects for my class, but I was able to sculpt out an idea of what my future life can be like after ICA.

Stuffed Toys for the Philippines

2010-09-07T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hello, my name is Joanna Abot. I am a senior at Immaculate Conception Academy and this past summer I spent my vacation in the Philippines. While I was there, I volunteered at Lourdes Parish in the Feeding Center, preparing meals and playing with the poor malnourished children of Cebu.

Stuffed Toys for Kids

Since 2004, my family has been coming to Cebu, Philippines, and my older sister Rosary would volunteer her time in the Feeding Center. One day, I noticed that the scarce number of stuffed toys were tied to the wall with strings. I asked one of the workers named Ms. Ellen why this was, and she informed me that it was because there were not enough toys for each of the children to play with. If the toys were not attached to strings, a child might take it home with them, depriving the other children of a chance to use it.

Upon hearing this, I was deeply saddened. I though to myself Back home in America, I know that we have more than enough stuffed toys. These children are being deprived of something so simple.

I decided that I would challenge myself to bring enough stuffed toys for at least 88 children to enjoy.

The Spark Catching Fire

When I came back to the U.S., I shared my experiences with my schoolmates to motivate them to reach out to the others and inspire them to do service. They were unsure at first, but when I showed them the photos I'd taken at the Feeding Center paired with a short speech about how one toy can touch a child's life, they began to show support.

I held a stuffed toy drive and the teacher in charge, Mrs. Cottrell, awarded "spirit points" to the class that brought in the most stuffed toys. After a month we gathered 600 stuffed toys. Even after the contest was over, people kept bringing toys in. Because of my peer's motivation and support, I had 10 boxes full of stuffed toys for the children in the Lourdes Parish Feeding Center.

A Rewarding Experience

Going to Cebu and giving out toys to children in the Lourdes Feeding Center and the Don Bosco Youth Center, was the culmination of all the worries and hardships my family and I met in making sure the stuffed toys would reach their destination. We had to sort, sew, clean, and pack the stuffed toys, plus make arrangements with Philippine Airlines. In the end, I was able to personally hand the toys to the kids. The feeling was so overwhelming; their smiles truly filled me with joy. I hope my schoolmates can realize that they too can change the world... one simple action at a time!

We're off and Running!

2010-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to ICA's first blog! We have just begun year # 128 as a Catholic, all-girls Dominican high school in San Francisco's Mission District. In addition, this will be year # 2 in the Cristo Rey Network, which has begun with a high spirit here at Immaculate Conception Academy!

Students, staff, and families of ICA are on their way to a successful new year! Our opening school Eucharist included prayers for energy and vitality to meet the challenges of academics --- college prep, nothing less! --- and the demands of our corporate work in some wonderful San Francisco business offices such as Gap, Academy of Arts University, and Jones Day.

In a way, we prayed for God to be the "vitamin pill" that gives us all the stamina needed for success. Here at ICA we continue to grow in the Heart, Mind and Spirit of our Mission... to provide a quality, Catholic education for the young women of the Bay Area... along with God's help and the support of so many others.

We are off and running --- so come run along with us through this Blog!

-Sister Mary Virginia Leach

President of Immaculate Conception Academy