MADISON — The trials and challenges of a pandemic can’t stop the growth and joy of Catholic community, and spring 2021 is shaping up to be a season of exciting happenings at St. Ambrose Academy (SAA).
New home in the making
After dozens of property searches by a team of professionals and numerous conversations with potential partners, the Academy first shared in December 2020 at the interactive, virtual See the Joy Benefit Dinner news of great joy: A site for a permanent school home is being finalized.
The centrally located Fitchburg development will be an ideal home for the first Catholic school building project in the diocese in over 50 years.With continued proximity to existing arts, sports, and other extracurricular partners plus increased access to eastside families, the new site is in a desirable location with many amenities.
More details will be forthcoming as the St. Ambrose Academy Christ Our Light campaign continues.
Legal learning opportunity
Those interested in the legal case the Academy began in August 2020 to allow schools to re-open in person may be interested in viewing a recorded live session featuring attorneys Misha Tseytlin and Kevin LeRoy of the Troutman Pepper law firm.
The attorneys at the heart of this challenge graciously spent time with the senior high to share updates about the case, and students had a chance to ask them any questions about law, careers in law, and the case itself.
Unique opportunities to engage with local community leaders and important current events offer many benefits and the Academy is thankful to Mr. Tseytlin and Mr. LeRoy for advocating for families and spending this time with students.
To view the recording, visit: www.ambroseacademy.org/legal
Get to know the community
Though in-person events are limited, technology continues to increase awareness and accessibility for those interested in the who, what, how, and why of Catholic classical education.
With thousands of views on recent videos including “What is Classical Education” given by Director of Classical Education Dr. Constance Nielsen, a live recorded fall tour hosted on Facebook, and an ongoing faculty speaker series, audiences are keen to learn more about the Madison area’s Catholic classical school for grades six to 12.
One of the best strengths of the St. Ambrose community is the faculty.
They are role models in their faith, passion for their subjects, and, with many advanced degrees among them, a testament to the kind of lifelong learning — both inside and outside of the classroom — they instill in students each year.
This spring offers more opportunities to get to know the faculty, the SAA classroom experience, and the Ambrose Advantage more through some upcoming live, interactive events that the diocesan community is encouraged to share and attend.
More information about in-person or virtual visits, student shadow days, events, and questions about enrolling a student for 2021-2022 can be sent to [email protected]
Upcoming events at St. Ambrose Academy
• Virtual open house — Sunday. Feb. 21, 7 to 7:45 p.m.
Angela Hineline, director of enrollment and learning services specialist will host a live event, featuring a student speaker and four faculty members who will share their experiences and the advantages of Catholic classical curriculum.
Hosted live on the St. Ambrose Facebook page, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters. Get to know SAA and have your questions answered.
See more at: www.ambroseacademy.org/virtual
• Spotlight series: Fantasy and Fairy Tales in the Faith — Tuesday, March 16, 7 to 7:30 p.m.
The fifth of six installments of the 2020-2021 Faculty Spotlight Series features Ms. Katie Behrens’ love of English literature. This talk is based on the ways Tolkien and Chesterton think about fairy tales/magic in a faith context, and how they prepare us for the gift of God.
The half-hour talk will be followed by time for questions from the audience.
A link to RSVP and past recorded talks are available at: www.ambroseacademy.org/spotlight
Carolyn Averill is the advancement director for St. Ambrose Academy in Madison.