St. Bernard begins new school year

St. Bernard Preparatory School started its 119th year on Monday, August 9, with Fr. Joel Martin, Headmaster, welcoming students, faculty, and staff to the new academic year. In his opening remarks, he recognized the many changes that have taken place since last school year.

Mr. John Tekulve, will be assisting at the high school this year as Assistant to the Headmaster, while Mr. William Calvert will be holding that position in the middle school. New faculty members include Mrs. Delila Fox, returning to teach mathematics at St. Bernard after a few years sabbatical, and Mr. Stephen Calvert at the Middle School. Dr. Donna Bryant’s new position as Admissions Director was also announced.
In addition to staff and faculty changes, several renovations have taken place around the campus, including upgrades to both the boys’ and girls’ dormitories and the administration building. New text books are already being used and an upgrade in technology is being planned for the first semester.

“St. Bernard is blessed with a number of students from all over the United States, including territories such as Puerto Rico as well as a number of international students hailing from Korea, Mexico, and China,’ said Fr. Joel. “This diversity of background, nationality, religion and culture is part of what makes St. Bernard so special, preparing our students for the global society in which we live.” St. Bernard boasts a student/faculty ratio of 8:1, which enables teachers to give one-on-one attention to students, thus ensuring each student’s success.

During the assembly, the leaders of the Student Council were introduced. Justin Michael Varquez, the Student Council President, welcomed his fellow students to the new year and encouraged them to be involved in all the activities that are planned.
Ms. Katie Hawkins, SBPS Spanish Teacher, spoke of the Mentor Program for St. Bernard this year. She recognized those students who were mentoring new students, and encouraged all to help each other. The work of the mentors was already present as one walked up and down the hallways, spotting notes of encouragement left on the lockers of new students.

Abbot Cletus Meagher, O.S.B., the Abbot of St. Bernard, reminded the students of their wonderful opportunities at St. Bernard, emphasizing that St. Bernard has a long tradition of educational excellence in a Christian environment. He recognized the valuable contributions of alumni which enable St. Bernard to develop and continue in its mission of providing a Christian education.

As Chaplain, Fr. Bede Marcy led first the faculty and staff, and then the students in their “Renewal of Commitment to Education and Formation.” Abbot Cletus brought the assembly to a close with prayer and words of encouragement to excel in every way during the coming year.

Middle School greets new faces

Seventh grade began a day of first for twenty-one students at St. Bernard Middle School, and one new faculty member. Stephen Calvert began his first day for the 2010-11 academic year with his first teaching position at St. Bernard Middle School. Calvert is serving as 7th grade math and 8th grade Algebra and Pre-Algebra, and literature teacher.

Having been public schooled all of his life, he began the first day of his private school career with a day of opening prayer, blessings, the pledge of allegiance and singing God Bless America with the entire Middle School community.

In the classroom he addressed the class as though he had been teaching for years by introducing himself and covering his syllabus. “In seventh grade math, we are basically trying to set things up for Algebra,” he said to his class of ten students. “The more math you do, the better you get.”

His expectations left nothing unturned. Calvert instructed, “I expect you to be punctual, prepared, respectful, and able to follow instructions, as well as to complete all assignments.”

Calvert said everyone has a different way of doing things, and encouraged the students to share their ways of doing math with the class.

Getting to know the students was important too. Each student was asked to introduce themselves to the class by standing and sharing information about their summer. “It’s always interesting what you discover about students,” Calvert said smiling. “Some went to the gulf and experienced the oil spill; some played baseball; one did barrel racing, one did gymnastics, several visited relatives within the states, and some just played video games.”

Calvert is looking forward to his first year at St. Bernard. St. Bernard Middle School enrolled thirty-nine students for grades 7-8, and is awaiting the arrival of another seventh grade international student from Korea this week.

Summer improvements completed at St. Bernard Prep

Alumni and friends of St. Bernard have enhanced the looks of the dormitories at St. Bernard Prep in Cullman through their benevolence with the Summer Improvement Campaign. School President, Fr. Marcus Voss, OSB reported the campaign has allowed several enhancements to be made in both dorm facilities on campus. Resident students at St. Bernard Prep will find many surprises when arriving on campus Sunday to begin the 2010-11 academic years.

The girl’s dorm received new light fixtures, mattresses, and showers while three administrative offices in the Administration Building were restored, as well as the basement floor.

In addition to new mattresses, Benedict East (boy’s dorm) received a number of enhancements as well. All wooden floors were restored, and the beds refinished.

Both dorm recreation rooms received new furniture and 42” flat screen televisions. “Seeing students enjoying their new home environment at St. Bernard Prep is important to us,” Voss said. “Our alumni support through the Summer Improvement Campaign and community support of our Bloomin’ Festival has been a blessing to the program.”

Fr. Marcus said restoration of three administrative offices in the Administration Building have been made as well. The school will be moving toward advances in the technology field soon by placing smart boards in the middle school and high school.

St. Bernard is expecting more than 120 students to enroll in the high school and 36 students for the middle school. St. Bernard Prep is a day and boarding school for students in grades 7-12. Anyone interested in more information should contact the school by calling (256)739-6682 or www.stbernardprep.com.

Glasscock breaks records for Swim Team

Rising sophmore Bennett Glasscock won 5 gold medals this past weekend at the 2010 ARPA State Swim Meet. 1500 swimmers from across Alabama qualified and competed in the meet in Valley, Alabama. Bennett was District and State champion in Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly. His 13-14 boys relay also won gold the medley and freestyle relays.

Bennett broke every 13-14 boys record for Cullman Swim Team. He started the summer attending the University of Texas, Longhorn Swim Camp, coached by Olympic and NCAA Champions, Eddie Reese. Other high points of the competitive summer were winning 5 gold medals at the Tennessee Valley Championships.

He will be representing St. Bernard Prep School this year in ASHAA swimming. Bennett is the son of Carson and Wendy Glasscock.

Pre-registration underway at SBP

Miss Martha Anne Warnke, St. Bernard Middle School, assists Mary Lou Gamble and her daughters, Theresa and Katherine during the registration process at St. Bernard Prep School. St. Bernard Prep School is currently accepting students in grades 7-12. Anyone wishing more information should contact the Admissions Office by calling (256)739-6682 or visiting www.stbernardprep.com. To keep up with the latest news like Saint Bernard Prep on Facebook.

Pre-Registration set for St. Bernard Prep

St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman is preparing for pre-registration Wednesday and Thursday, July 14-15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily for the 2010-11 Academic Year. Students have been mailed schedules and may print permission forms from the school website at www.stbernardprep.com.

Anyone interested in enrolling should contact the Admissions Office at (256)739-6682 for information and a campus tour. St. Bernard Prep is a co-ed Catholic Boarding and Day school operated by the Benedictine Monks of St. Bernard Abbey for grades 7-12.

Carolyn Branch Retires

Carolyn Branch, who has served as the assistant to the President for almost 18 years, recently announced her retirement. Her retirement will become effective on June 30, 2010.

During years at St. Bernard, she was sometimes called the “voice of St. Bernard” since she operated the telephone system and answered almost all incoming calls to the campus. Her major responsibilities included the planning and executing of the Annual Alumni Reunion as well as managing the vast majority of correspondence issued from the Development and President Office.

“I have certainly depended on Carolyn over these many years,” said Fr. Marcus Voss, President. “So often when I have had to be away from the campus, I knew that I could depend on her to manage the office and take care of the needs that would invariably arise. She has always been a strong team player and forever willing to give a helping hand. I am grateful to her for years of service and wish her well as she looks forward to her retirement.”

At the Alumni Reunion Banquet held on June 26th, Carolyn was given a certificate from the St. Bernard community which read in part: “To Carolyn Branch for her dedicated service to St. Bernard. She has performed laudably in every area. Her untiring work during the Annual Appeals, Summer Appeals and the Campaign for Capital Improvements has contributed immeasurably to their success. All who know her at St. Bernard express our deepest appreciation for her unwavering support for the past 18 years and wish her an enjoyable and blessed retirement.”