Students presenting their project at The Smithsonian, property renovations and the hiring of new faculty members were just a few of the ways St. Philip Neri Catholic School in Midwest City spent their summer.
Two seventh graders, Baylee Melot and Judith Suarez, were selected to advance from state competition to the National History Fair in Washington D.C. Their documentary on Clara Luper was presented at The Oprah Winfrey Theater. Melot describes what the experience meant to her, “It was an honor to have a project that I helped create selected to be showcased in such a beautiful museum.” Suarez added, “I had so much fun and I learned so many things that I didn’t know. I loved it and wish I could go back.” That wish just might come true as St. Philip Neri is competing next year in the Oklahoma National History Day Fair.
The Catholic school in Midwest City was built in 1954. Although the Family Life Center is brand new and was dedicated in November of last year, school renovations continue. Principal Brenda Tener explains, “We added LED lighting, freshened some classroom walls with paint and renovated bathrooms in our north building. All of the improvements were very much needed, and we are grateful to families who helped raise that money including our PTO.”
New faculty members were also added. Mrs. Karen Tittertington, an experienced educator from Choctaw, was hired as the third grade teacher. Mrs. Pamela Miller, from Albuquerque, NM Public Schools joined the school as the Pre-K4 teacher. Mrs. Katie Blazevic serves as the morning 5th grade teacher as her experience was acquired in the Catholic schools of Duluth, MN. Mrs. Jennifer McGleish as PE instructor is a recent graduate of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. Mrs. Erin Burris was selected to fill the music teacher position and is a recent graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. “I am thrilled to have such an amazing and qualified staff on campus. Our students are receiving a quality education, and it’s all thanks to these teachers,” Principal Tener praised.
Classes began August 14th and the historic event of the solar eclipse was certainly a highlight. The students not only witnessed the phenomenon, but St. Philip Neri parent and meteorologist, Steve Carano brought a sun shadow display box so that younger students were given a safe environment to experience the event along with his expert instruction and knowledge.
“We’re just a few weeks into the school year, and we couldn’t be grateful enough. Talented students, great parents, amazing staff and incredible successes over the summer. I’m running out of positive adjectives to describe it all!” Principal Tener jokingly concluded.