36 The Courier sun • may 14, 2015 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com WINNER 3 YEARS IN A ROW • Ramps • Stairlifts • Platform Lifts • Elevators • Bathrooms • ADA Home Modifi cations • Walk In Bathtubs $100-$300 OFF EQUIPMENT AND 10% OFF SERVICE Licensed & Insured • Commercial • Residential • Sales • Rentals • Service • Installations 866.291.7039 Family owned & operated for twenty years 21 Stringham Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580 www.AlphaCareSupply.com BBB Rating A+ as of 1/5/15 ST. FRANCIS PREP PASSIONATE ABOUT TEACHING STUDENTS OF ALL AGES YEAR-ROUND In speaking to St. Francis Prep’s Principal, Patrick McLaughlin, it is easy to see his passion for education, and sharing all that Prep has to offer with not only its own students, but students who aren’t even yet of high school age and their families. McLaughlin’s life has been rooted in Prep since he himself was a teenager. He attended Prep when it was on North 6th Street in Brooklyn, student taught at Prep during his college years (at St. Francis College), joined its faculty, serving in the Physical Education Department, and ultimately becoming Assistant Principal. He is currently in his second year as Principal. This summer, Prep will again, be offering its Summer Academy Program. “The mission is to provide enrichment for younger students to experience high school courses taught by high school teachers. It’s a student-centered environment where they experience success and gain interest in all of our electives,” says McLaughlin. The program was started a number of years ago with offerings in only English and Mathematics. Campers asked for more time and more diversity in offerings, especially in the area of Science. Today, the Science Research Academy is probably the largest component. Parents are particularly staisfi ed, given Prep’s Summer Academy exposes students to a college preparatory style of lab experience and instruction. There is lots of hands-on. Given Prep unvieled their new, state-of-the-art labs this fall, this summer promises to be spectacular. Students will be exposed to new facilities, new equipment, and new technology. When originally launched, the Prep’s Summer Academy started with only 30 students, but has grown fi ve-fold to 150. All the courses are taught by Prep teachers, who are assisted by Prep students and alumni. The Academy is open to students aged 10-14. There are also Winter and Spring Academies, which offer a snapshot of both the Summer Academy and daily life at Prep. This year’s Winter Academy even provided a free enrichment program for students who are involved in Prep’s Beginner String Prpogram at P.S. 115 and St. Kevin Catholic Academy, some as young as 8 year olds in the 2nd grade. McLaughlin was quick to emphasize that from their fi rst minute, Academy students should be focused on learning something new, and have fun and enjoy the process of learning. Academy students are not the only ones who benefi t from the Academy. Prep students who serve as counselors experience a great deal as well. Emily Grasso, a 2013 graduate of Prep volunteered in the summer between graduating Prep and starting college, helping Music Technology and Art classes. After her freshman year of college, she changed her major to Early Childhood Education, having been inspired by her experiences. For Prep students, the Academy gives highschoolers the chance to give back, and hone their leadership skills. Many students who attended the Academy are now not only Prep students, but are volunteeting to be counselors. For McLaughlin, this is a “nice cycle.” The St. Francis Prep Summer Academy runs from July 27-July 31, 9AM-3PM. It offers courses in: • English & Math • Science Research • Franciscan Leadership • Music Technology & Production • Computer & Fine Arts • Musical Theater • SFP-TV Production St. Francis Prep sees some of the highlights as small and supportive classes, academic success and emotional growth, and individualized instruction and assessment. The cost for the program is $240. St. Francis Prep Principal, Patrick McLaughlin FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: MR. PATRICK MCLAUGHLIN, PRINCIPAL ST. FRANCIS PREPARATORY SCHOOL • 718-423-8810 X327 • [email protected]
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