Around the School

School is Back in Session – Now with iPads!

Molloy welcomed over 1,560 students back to school this week after a long and well deserved summer break. Upon their arrival, they were excited to see their newly renovated cafeteria, which is one of the most used spaces on campus. The upgrades to the cafeteria’s lighting, food service area, and climate control among other improvements were instantly noticeable, and many students gave their approval as they went on their way to their homerooms (more on the new cafeteria in the next issue of The Beehive). For freshmen, the first day of high school is often a blur. There are typically many details to keep track of, tricky lockers to open, and plenty of books to stack up. This year, however, their first day schedule was a bit lighter thanks to Molloy’s newest technology integration: a one-to-one computing program utilizing iPads. Molloy has introduced this new iPad program to its freshmen class only this year. The Class of 2018 received their iPads in waves over several weeks in August, eliminating the need for textbook distribution on their first official day, which had been typical procedure for decades. Now, freshmen will have much less to carry on a day to day basis. Lesson plans have been altered to focus on the use of carefully selected apps and Internet tools during class and for homework assignments. Teachers, who were prepped for over two years in anticipation of the program launch, are focused on making their lessons more interactive by encouraging creative uses for the iPads to help enhance the overall classroom experience. While only freshmen will experience the iPads at Molloy this year, each following freshman class will also receive them over the next several years. All class years will utilize iPads in their curriculum by the year 2017.

“Molloy is forging ahead as an institution that embraces modern technology,” said President Richard Karsten ’81. “We have seen this program succeed at other schools, and we are excited to afford this important opportunity to our students. Now more than ever today’s students are connected to technology. iPads have already become one of the best ways to foster students’ strengths and educate them best.” To aid the program, Molloy’s talented IT department will be available for faculty and students throughout the year to troubleshoot any technical issues or security concerns. The IT staff has been integral to the implementation of the program, and their insights will ensure that everything runs smoothly. We would be remiss not to acknowledge their hard work and dedication throughout this process (Pictured: Faculty & Staff celebrated Mass on Tuesday in the newly renovated student cafeteria with Fr. Peter Purpura ’99).

Education is changing every day. Thanks in part to the generosity of the Molloy community, our school has the opportunity to remain a vibrant and evolving institution focused on new educational tools and technology. “Looking forward I can’t predict what the next historic moment will be in our future,” said President Karsten. “But what I can predict is that the quality of education will endure – as long as we build on our traditions – and continue to read the signs of the times.” We will bring you more in depth looks at the iPads in action during class over the next several months. In the meantime, view more photos from Molloy’s opening week below.

Pictured from the Class of 1968 | Front row: Don Stanton, Mike Sommers, Chris Kilroy, Jack Gremse, Rick Sliasky | Second row: Bobby Russell, Joe Dombrowski (guest), Ray Kaelin | Third row: Ed Berkman, Steve Miola, Graham Kistler | Fourth Row: Tom McCormick, Joe Fitzgerald, Gene Murtha, Bob Miola, Jimmy Cella | Top Row: Ed Kriete, Paul Higgins, Richie Gumbs, Fred Ammann.

The following was submitted by Fred Ammann ’68 in regards to the accompanying photo: “The recent Stanner Life led with the headline, “Lifetime Connections…” This past July, 50 years after we started at Molloy as bright-eyed freshmen, a group of us continue to meet during the summer to renew and strengthen those connections. Those in attendance have led quite successful lives since leaving Molloy. Pictured are a few teachers, lawyers, a fireman, musician, dentist, professor and author, social worker, Navy captain and business leaders among others. Most of us are now retired and we all still like to look back at the ‘glory days.’ In some way, we all left our mark at Molloy. Four were ranked in the top ten academically as seniors and three others recently were inducted onto the Track & Field Wall of Honor. That’s right – we’re the Class of 1968!”

Upon receiving his copy of Stanner Life, Donald Kearns ’77 sent us some positive feedback: “I met Molloy’s President, Richard Karsten, at the Molloy vineyard affair on the North Fork two summers ago. I think he is doing a great job. I liked seeing a picture of Brother James Maher in Stanner Life – he was head man in charge when I was attending Molloy. I’m glad to see he is well. I also enjoyed hearing that the Middle States Evaluation Team concluded their assessment earlier this year by saying “what you are doing here at Molloy transforms live.” It was nice to hear that from an outside source, though most of us who have walked those halls knew this already!”

Thomas Polizzi ‘06 was married to Kristin Scheitinger on July 5th, 2014 at St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, NY. Thomas Burns ‘06 and Mark Lorthe ‘06 were groomsmen for the occasion. Congratulations to Tom and Kristin!

Please keep Mrs. Marge Duffy, mother of B.J. Duffy ’85, in your prayers. Mrs. Duffy passed away earlier this week. Mrs. Duffy will be waked at Leahy McDonald Funeral Home (111-02 Atlantic Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11418) on Saturday, September 6th and Sunday, September 7th from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm. The Funeral Mass for Mrs. Duffy will be held at 10:45am on Monday, September 8th at Holy Child Jesus Church (111-11 86th Avenue, Richmond Hill, NY 11418).

We are saddened to share the passing of the father of teacher and coach Mr. Lou Santos. Please keep the Santos family in your prayers.

We are saddened to share the passing of the mother of teacher Ms. Madelyn Dupre. Please keep the Dupre family in your prayers.

We are saddened to share the passing of Mr. James Hoey ’62, father of James ’93. Mr. Hoey was an active alumnus who volunteered his time with the SMILE program for a number of years. He was a friend to many in the Molloy community and will be sorely missed by all. Please keey Mr. Hoey and his family in your prayers.

We are saddened to share the passing of Joseph Indelicato ’87. Joseph is survived by his loving parents and family; Joseph J and Jo-Anne, Erin Bigley, Christine Rodie, Brynn Rodie and Chase Rodie. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. Please keep Joseph and his family in your prayers.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of St. Ann’s alumnus Thomas Quinn ’48.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of St. Ann’s alumnus Michael Lavin ’43.