Definition of Good Teaching

Stephanie Hirsch provides "A New Definition" of good teaching in Journal of Staff Development, Fall 2009, p. 10: "Good teaching occurs when educators on teams are involved in a cycle in which they analyze data, determine student and adult learning goals based on that analysis, design joint lessons that use evidence-based strategies, have access to coaches for support in improving their classroom instruction, and then assess how their learning and teamwork affect student achievement."

That strikes us as a good definition of good teaching. This strategic approach coupled with dedicated and talented teachers who care deeply about and know their students leads to the great teaching that occurs every day at Saint Martin!

Saint Martin Partners with USO for Holiday Cheer

For the second year, the Saint Martin Parent Association donated Christmas cards to the Cleveland USO to be sent to troops serving in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. At the November 11 Parent Meeting, 210 cards were signed and addressed to soldiers, thanking them for their service and sacrifice to this country. All cards were donated by Saint Martin staff. We would like to thank the Saint Martin community for their support of this great cause and to our troops for their tremendous service.

Red Mass and Catholic Lawyers Guild Luncheon

Each year, the Lawyers Guild hosts a Red Mass followed by a luncheon at which the St. Thomas More Award and the Special Recognition award are presented. The special liturgy invokes the blessing and guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the courts of the State.

The 2009 Red Mass was held on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. The St. Thomas More Award Luncheon followed at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located on St. Clair. This year's STMA recipient was Geralyn M. Presti, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Forest City Enterprises, Inc.

Our very own Richard Clark accepted the Special Recognition Award on behalf of Saint Martin de Porres High School. Congratulations to Geralyn Presti and the Saint Martin community for these incredible honors, and the success that earned them this recognition.

Some of the firms present for this luncheon were Baker & Hostetler LLP, Frantz Ward LLP, Tucker Ellis & West LLP, Squire Sanders, Thompson Hine, and Cavitch, Familo, Durkin & Frutkin.

Recognizing Our Partners in Education

Over 60 junior high and elementary school educators were recently recognized at Saint Martin de Porres High School's annual Teacher Recognition Reception. The recognized teachers, principals, tutors, coaches, and counselors were nominated by current Saint Martin freshmen in October and were honored at a dinner banquet November 10.

This event is an opportunity for students to reflect on past experiences and to thank those who have helped them grow and develop. The nominations students write are often very touching and personal and often focus on the values a teacher instilled, such as hard work and persistence, and the hope and confidence teachers inspired in their students.

The Teacher Recognition Reception is also an opportunity for the Saint Martin community to express our gratitude to our partners in education. Many of our freshmen would not be at Saint Martin without those mentors who attended the reception. These mentors were instrumental in helping our students realize that the challenges Saint Martin presents will better prepare them for college, career, and life success.

Thanks to our partners in education!

Rich Clark Nominated as Sustainability Champion

Rich Clark was recently nominated as a "Sustainability Champion" by Barb Brown and Margie Flynn of Brown Flynn, a social responsibility and sustainability consulting firm. Ms. Brown and Ms. Flynn nominated Rich to Entrepreneurs for Sustainability (E4S), which is a network of over 5,000 change agents in the city who see the implementation of sustainability principles as a business opportunity to improve our quality of life.

Congratulations to Rich and the entire Saint Martin de Porres High School community on this nomination. Our improvements in this area are impressive and we have already seen an impact on our bottom line (reduced costs), in our quality of life (fresh, organically grown local produce!), and in our thinking.

This beautiful picture was taken by Deja Pearson `09 in the Saint Martin organic community garden!

For more information on Entrepreneurs for Sustainability, visit their web site at www.e4s.org.

Fred Nance, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey Reps Share Wisdom with Saint Martin Students

Squire, Sanders & Dempsey's Regional Managing Partner, Fred Nance, welcomed 17 sophomore and junior students from Saint Martin to enjoy lunch with him today in the impressive Founders Conference Room of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey (SSD). Upon their arrival at the 49th floor of the Key Tower, students were warmly greeted by Chief Human Resources Officer, Bob Haas, and Human Resources & Recruiting Manager, Mimi Hicks. They were also greeted by an absolutely spectacular view of Cleveland's lakefront!

In his extended remarks to the students, Mr. Nance told them that when he decided to become an attorney as a young man, he'd never met an attorney. What seemed like a different world to him at the time, though, has now become second nature and has enabled him to affect change in the system. Citing his own experiences working with Mayor Michael White, the National Football League, and LeBron James, Nance also encouraged students to embrace challenges as they are presented because each of those experiences has led him to other great opportunities.

Nance also encoraged the Saint Martin students in attendance to work hard, which he said could also be thought of as "quantity," to consistently deliver quality work, and to take care in developing relationships with business associates. His words were complemented by those of SSD Partner, Terry Thomas, and Associate, Terry Billups. Mr. Thomas encouraged students to not be afraid of leaving their comfort zones as they develop personally and professionally. Mr. Billups shared his unique journey to the legal profession, which included experiences as an award-winning documentarian, while a student at the University of North Carolina, and as a collegiate and NFL football player.

Each student stood and introduced themselves and did so in a most impressive way. Ameer Ward `12 made an especially positive impression as he discussed his interest in government and law. Again, Ameer and his peers made these introductions in the presence of accomplished attorneys and in an awe-inspiring setting.

The Saint Martin representatives in attendance - Rich Clark, Keith Laschinger, and Diana Novak - were extraordinarily proud of our students, and all in attendance were grateful to those at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey for their time, hospitality, and their words of wisdom and encouragement.

Nicki Stacey Honored as the Top School Social Worker in the Midwest

On October 8, our Director of Counseling, Nicki Stacey, was named the Midwest’s School Social Worker of the Year at a ceremony held in Detroit. Gwen Howard, Susan Hren, and Joanne Lewis were all in attendance at the ceremony to see their friend and colleague receive this impressive award.

Director of College Counseling, Susan Hren, captured the sentiment of the Saint Martin community well when she returned from the ceremony honoring Nicki. Susan wrote about Nicki and the team of social workers at Saint Martin: “I am in awe every day when I see our team of mental health professionals in action. Whether it’s tackling a tough issue or situation, calling a student on something he or she did, or just giving a hug, tissue, or word of encouragement. They jump in at a moment’s notice and handle any situation with a cool, calm professionalism that I admire…I honestly get tired just watching them!”

Assistant Principal of Student Life, Joanne Lewis, who was named the 2003 Ohio Social Worker of the Year by the National Association of Social Workers, said that Nicki’s work is “evidence of the positive impact that social workers have in school communities.” Nicki’s impactful work has certainly been integral to the many successes that Saint Martin’s students have realized.

On behalf of the many students Nicki has counseled here at Saint Martin and her admiring colleagues, the Saint Martin community congratulates Nicki Stacey on this prestigious award.

Spirited Week Honoring Our Patron and Celebrating Lost Loved

Last week was certainly an exciting week for the team of VP for Mission, Steve Suding, and Campus Minister, Virginia Malloy! Steve and Virginia led our community in our celebration of All Souls Day and the Feast of St. Martin de Porres.

Monday’s celebration of All Souls Day gave the members of our community an opportunity to remember in a special way all those who impacted our lives and have passed away. Elements of the celebration of the Dia de los Muertos were incorporated into our celebration thanks to Spanish Teacher, Claudia Botoulas. Heiry Perez `11, Kiara Perez `12, Teresa Arteaga `12, Loreann Santiago `12, and Nicole Diaz `12 all wore traditional garb as they presented offertory remembrances of the dearly departed members of the extended Saint Martin fami
Wednesday’s Unity Fest featured African drummers and dancers from The Karamu House, the inspirational words of Cleveland Executive Fellow and social entrepreneur Seth Kujat, and beautiful performances by The Saint Martin Heritage Spanish Dancers and our Gospel Choir. Great food provided by the family of Teresa Arteaga `12 was also enjoyed by all during this evening celebrating the rich diversity of the Saint Martin community.

This event coincides annually with the Feast of St. Martin de Porres, which is celebrated November 3. Martin was a Peruvian man of both African and Hispanic descent and was known for his ability to unify people. Unity Fest provides a fitting tribute to this legacy. Please plan to join us for next year’s event which will take place the first week of November.

Angela Cheadle Completes Her First Marathon

Physical Science Teacher, Angela Cheadle, completed her first marathon in Washington D.C. October 24. She ran the marathon to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of her grandmother and grandfather. Her grandmother provided care for her grandfather after he was stricken with Alzheimer’s.

The Saint Martin community has been enriched by Angela’s energetic presence since she joined us last school year. She quickly emerged as a very popular teacher and coach. In addition to teaching Physical Science to freshmen, Angela is also a track & field coach.

Congratulations, Angela, for this tremendous accomplishment and for your poignant tribute to your grandparents.