The Minimester
Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, we have altered our school calendar, as so many other
Augustinian, (and other) schools do, for a “Minimester” experience. All freshmen, sophomores,
and juniors are required to sign up for a Minimester course that will take them out of the
classroom to experience learning in real and concrete ways. Some of the Minimesters include
significant travel and others are based right here in Chicago. In the following pages, you will see
Minimester courses that have their basis in science, history, the arts, literature, language, culture,
and more! We are confident that the Minimester courses will enrich our students, and open them
up to new, indelible experiences. We believe that the experience of these classes will help them
to become not only better students, but better people.
Each Minimester course is about the equivalent of a week, or 30 hours of learning time. Many of
the Minimester courses will take place at the traditional end of the school year – we’ll end
classes about a week earlier – and some take place over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter
breaks, and some take place on select weekends throughout the school year. Your son will want
to take into consideration his preferences and other commitments (e.g., family, athletics, job,
finances) when choosing his Minimester course.
More detailed information for course offerings that include significant travel and cost will be
made available at family meetings, as well as from the course instructors. Please feel free to
contact them by email with your questions.
The Minimester courses that follow are arranged by Tier – there are Tier I, II, III, and Tier IV
courses available to our students and they are catalogued, more or less, by price. Final prices
may vary depending on how many students sign up for a course. The listed prices are estimates.
The final cost will be given at the end of the registration period. It is important to know that
deposits for courses are non-refundable after May 25, 2017, but a student who registers for a Tier
I, II, or III course may transfer his registration to another course until May 25, 2017.
Please see the Minimester Registration Form at the very end of the catalog. Tier I, II, and III
courses require that a $50 deposit be made by April 27, 2017. Tier IV courses require that you
only submit your Minimester preference. Please see the Registration Form for further detailed
instructions.
Please also see the Minimester FAQ’s that follow.
Every student must submit the Minimester Registration Form - to the
Principal’s Office -indicating his Minimester preference by April 27, 2017.
April 2017
FAQ: St. Rita Minimester
What is Minimester?
Minimester is an offering of a wide range of 30-hour courses incorporated into the school
calendar in various ways to offer our students education through high-interest experiences and
indelible “life lessons” outside the traditional classroom.
When will Minimester begin?
Minimester will begin in the 2017-2018 school year.
Are Minimester classes required for all students?
Minimester classes are required of every freshman, sophomore and junior. They are not required
for seniors, but in some cases seniors may be permitted to take a Minimester class, if space and
timing permit.
When will Minimester classes be taken during the school year?
We will officially schedule Minimester into the school calendar during the last week or so of the
school year. Many Minimester classes will be offered at that time. However, Minimester
offerings are flexible enough to accommodate every student without disruption to his
extracurricular activities and commitments outside of school, such as athletics and part-time jobs.
Some Minimester classes will be offered on weekends or during school breaks such as
Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter. A student should consider his own calendar of commitments
when choosing his Minimester class each year.
Will the school year be longer?
No. The end of the traditional school year will be earlier to accommodate Minimester classes
that are scheduled after that, but a student who takes a Minimester class during the school year
(over weekends or a break) will finish a few days earlier than usual. Either way, the required
hours and days of annual instruction will be met or exceeded.
What types of classes are offered in Minimester?
A wide variety of interests will be addressed in Minimester classes, ranging from the culinary
arts to international travel, science to theater, college visits to business to adventure—and many
points in between. Some classes will include overnight (even international) travel, and others
will include no travel or a series of day trips. Minimester classes will be focused on a wide
variety of topics of interest sure to appeal to any Rita Man.
How will my student choose his Minimester class?
Students will use this catalogue, of approved Minimester classes, complete with course
descriptions, expected per student cost, dates, travel information, teacher(s) and other pertinent
information.
Current freshmen and sophomores who sign up for courses requiring more advance planning will
do so this spring, and registration for other courses and for incoming freshmen will take place in
September.
The school administration reserves the right to deny the request of any student his chosen
Minimester class for any reason that is communicated to the student and his family.
Is there a cost associated with Minimester?
Yes, in most cases. The cost passed along to families is intended to cover the cost of running the
class.
We have divided our courses into four tiers according to per student cost. Tier I classes involve
significant travel, possibly overseas, and carry a per student cost of over $1500; Tier II classes
often involve domestic travel or other activities that cost between $750 and $1,500; Tier III
classes may involve less costly travel but still require hotel or some other type of reservation.
Tier IV classes generally take place closer to home and are options that are low-cost or free.
Students who commit (with parental permission) to Tier I courses may have the option of a
monthly payment plan beginning this spring. For Tier II and III classes, costs can be divided
into installments and added to your tuition bill. The Tuition Office will be setting up a system
for handling that for you.
We understand that Minimester classes may require a sacrifice for your family, and the ability to
absorb the cost is unique to each family. That is why we are committed to two fundamental
principles: there will be a wide range of options to accommodate families of all economic
means; and, we will assist families in making a determination about which Minimester classes
are affordable for them, based on their tuition and financial aid status.
Who will be the teachers of these Minimester classes?
St. Rita faculty have conceived of and researched all the Minimester offerings, and they will be
the teachers of the courses. In some classes, there may be two or more teachers. We will also
utilize non-faculty volunteer chaperones as needed to maintain an acceptable and safe studentteacher ratio. Any non-faculty chaperones will be fully vetted (Virtus-trained and background
check) and approved by the administration.
What are the advantages for our students?
St. Augustine said, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a
page." Whether it is travel across the globe or the country or Chicago—or the figurative ‘travel’
of learning by new experiences—we believe the Minimester courses will enrich our students and
open them up to new, indelible experiences. We believe the experience of these classes will help
them to become not only better students, but better people. In addition, we believe colleges will
look favorably on these classes, especially if a student chooses his Minimester carefully and
demonstrates personal growth from the experience. The likelihood is high for a Minimester
teacher to be a positive recommender of a student in his college and scholarship applications or
for other pre-college programs.
Will Minimester classes be graded and count for credit?
Yes, Minimester classes will be graded and will count for a quarter- credit (.25) per year. This
grade will appear on the transcript and will count toward graduation and GPA.
Do other high schools offer Minimester?
Yes, across the country (and around the world!) high schools offer different versions of the
Minimester, which is also known as third semester, project week, January term and other names.
These schools include Augustinian schools, as well as other Catholic, private, charter and public
schools.
Why are Minimester courses required to be 30 hours?
A typical week of school includes about 30 hours of instruction, and we want our Minimester
courses to approximate that. Some time is allotted for travel, and some courses will necessitate
using more than 30 hours.
Tier I Courses
Capitals of Italy and France
Hearts in Motion / Sports in Motion: Guatemala
Smokey Mountains
Course title: Capitals of Italy and France
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION SESSION DETAILS
Instructors: Ms. Brewick and Mr. Dolan
Dates: 3/29/18 - 4/6/18
Description: This is a 9 day trip with 7 days touring and exploring the European Capitals of Italy
and France with 2 travel days. This course will take students to Rome, Pompeii, Paris and
Versailles. This program is run by EF Tours and therefore will have a full time tour director
traveling with the group. The students will begin their trip in Rome and spend 3 days visiting the
most famous sights of Rome and the ancient Roman Empire. Highlights include the ancient
Roman Forum, the Colosseum with an interactive gladiator experience, the Spanish steps, the
Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, an in depth expertly guided tour the of Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica
and the Sistine Chapel and much more. Our fourth day the students will travel to Pompeii and
explore the ancient city’s ruins. Day 5 will take the students to Paris where they will spend 3
days exploring the famous attractions and spending an afternoon at the gorgeous palace of
Versailles and its gardens. Highlights of these three days include ascending the Eiffel Tower,
walking along the Champs-Elysees, seeing the Cathedral de Notre Dame and exploring famous
Musée du Louvre where students will encounter the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, the Venus de
Milo and other famous works of art. All meals provided will be regional/local cuisine so the
students can immerse themselves in the culinary culture of each country.
Costs: The cost of the trip includes round trip flight travel and the flight from Rome to Paris, all
additional transportation, all hotels, 3 expertly guided museum/attraction tours and one expertly
guided walking tour, breakfast and dinner each day as well as all museum entry. Students are
only responsible for lunch each day, tour guide tipping and any personal discretionary spending.
Approximate cost per students is $3779 or $355/month for 11 months.
Course title: Hearts in Motion / Sports in Motion
Trip to Guatemala
Instructor: Mr. Standring
Assistant Instructor: Mrs. Therese Connors
Therese has been associated with the program for 25 years working toward obtaining donations,
warehouse management and has volunteered to go to Guatemala twice.
Proposed Dates: Saturday, May 26 to Sunday, June 3, 2018
Traveling by: Plane and Bus
Hands On: Performing everyday activities with children in 5 different villages. Note, the
government of Guatemala is very cooperative and appreciates this organization’s help and
provides safety to all staff and volunteers.
Educational Objective:
HEARTS IN MOTION’S branch, Sports in Motion, is dedicated to promoting involvement in
sports to the people of Guatemala and providing opportunities through community involvement
for healthy, athletic lifestyles.
The vision of Sports in Motion is to see lives changed through exposure to sports and the benefits
they provide, not just on the playing field, but in all areas of life. Through sports, a person,
community, or country can be steered in a positive healthy direction, which is a desperate need in
this part of Guatemala.
Sports in Motion believes that by creating facilities and programs that promote healthy athletic
lifestyles, minds and doors will be opened for the people of Guatemala in all walks of life. The
lifestyle developed through the participation in athletics is one of discipline, hard work, and
dedication which are qualities that are essential to a well-founded individual. Sports in Motion
envisions bringing this mindset to the people of Guatemala with the help of so many great hearts
and minds in and out of Guatemala.
Basic Price: (transportation to villages, meals, hotel, etc.): $1,400.00
Round-trip Airfare (estimate): $800.00
Total Price (based on 12 students): $2,200.00
Means of evaluation or assessment for each student: Daily photos/log of activities.
Fundraising Effort: Wheelchair Basketball and letters requesting donations.
Course title: Smokey Mountains Trip
Instructor: Mr. Berry and TBD
Dates: Late May
Total Students: 20
Description: Science and scenery come alive as instruction from local guides takes your students
outside the walls of a traditional classroom. This trip features hiking, whitewater rafting, and
racing down a Zip line. Students will get hands-on lessons in science and history and will enjoy
the character-building benefits of traveling to new places and meeting new people. We will be
using the tour company Grand Classroom to run the trip.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1:
• Arrive in Atlanta and meet guide
• Visit Georgia Aquarium
• Hike Tallulah Gorge and Falls
• Dinner
• Check into hotel
Day 2:
• Hotel breakfast
• Great Smoky Mountains National
Park
• Hike to Clingman’s Dome
• Newfound Gap Overlook
• Sugarland Visitor’s Center
• Hike to Cascade Falls
Day 3:
•
•
•
•
Hotel breakfast
Whitewater rafting on the Pigeon
River
Zip line Canopy Adventure
Dinner Show: Lumber Jack Feud
Day 4:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Hotel breakfast
Hike to Laurel Falls
Visit Forbidden Caverns
Explore rock formations
Depart for home
Dinner
Free time in downtown Gatlinburg
Cost: approximately $1,350
Included in the pricing:
• Round trip flights
• Hotels
• All reservations and planning
• All meals
• All admissions, taxes and gratuities
• Guide with the group from when the group arrives to when you depart
• Medical Insurance
• 24 hour on-tour assistance
• Students and teachers will only need funds for souvenirs, snacks and if they choose to
check luggage.
Tier II Courses
Discover Democracy in Washington, DC
Everything’s Bigger in Texas Tour
Course title: Discovering Democracy in D.C.
Instructors: Mr. Conlon, Mr. Valponi & Mr. Kellam
Dates: May 26, 2017 through May 31, 2017
Description: The purpose of this trip is to experience the intersection of American history,
politics, and religion in Washington D.C. Students will explore historical landmarks, memorials,
museums, and governmental institutions. In addition to these prominent sites, students will also
have the opportunity to tour the inside of the White House, meet with members of Congress, visit
George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, walk through the historic Georgetown University,
and enjoy an American pastime at a Nationals’ game. Students will travel, by coach bus, to and
from Washington D.C. and to the list of sites below.
Here is a list of the sites we will visit during our trip to nation’s capital:
Capitol Building (Free)
The White House (Free)
SCOTUS Building (Free)
National Archives ($1.50 fee per person)
Arlington National Cemetery (Free)
WWII Memorial (Free)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Free)
Jefferson Memorial (Free)
Mount Vernon ($30.00)
Lincoln Memorial (Free)
Martin Luther King Jr. Monument (Free)
Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Free)
Georgetown (Free)
Washington National Cathedral (Free)
Ford’s Theatre ($2.50 Museum) ($30.00 Show)
The Museum of the Bible ($20.00)
US Holocaust Museum (Free)
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural
History (Free)
Smithsonian National Museum of American
History (Free)
National Gallery of Art (Free)
Smithsonian American Art Museum (Free)
West Potomac Park - Whiffle Ball Game
Washington Nationals Game ($20.00)
Costs: The cost of the trip includes: round-trip coach bus fare and throughout D.C., four nights
hotel stay, museum entry fees, and breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Students are responsible
for any personal discretionary spending.
Total Estimated Cost: $920
Course title: Everything’s Bigger in Texas Tour
Instructors: Brother Joe Ruiz, O.S.A. & TBA
Dates: May 26- June 2, 2018
Description: This course will take students to San Antonio and Austin, Texas. The trip begins in
San Antonio where students will visit the city’s Catholic universities: Our Lady of the Lake
University, St. Mary’s University (known for their Law School), and the University of Incarnate
Word (known for the Feik School of Pharmacy). Students will also learn about San Antonio’s
history by visiting the San Antonio Missions: the Alamo, Mission Nuestra Senora de
Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Francisco de la Espada, and Mission San Juan
Capistrano. For dining and recreation, students will visit San Antonio’s famous River Walk by
way of a river boat tour, shop and dine at the Historic Market Square, and spend a day at Sea
World San Antonio Texas Theme Park.
In addition to visiting San Antonio, students will travel to Austin, Texas for a day. In Austin,
students will visit the city’s only Catholic university, St. Edward’s University (Brother Joe’s
alma mater) as well as the University of Texas. Students will also learn about Austin’s history by
visiting the Texas State Capitol and the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library. For dining
and recreation, students will visit Austin’s famous and natural swimming pool, Barton Springs
Pool as well as dine at some of Austin’s eclectic Trailer Park Eateries.
Costs: The cost of the trip includes: round-trip airfare on Southwest, six nights hotel stay,
breakfast each day, museum entry fees, transportation, three dinners. Students are responsible for
lunch each day, three dinners and any personal discretionary spending.
Approximate cost is between $740 and $870 per student.
Tier III Courses
College and Freedom Trail – Boston, MA
Colorado and the History of the Olympics
Philadelphia: Birthplace of a Nation and its Constitution
Outdoor Adventures and National Parks
Course title: College and Freedom Trail – Boston, MA
Instructors: Mr. O’Connor & TBA
Dates: February 16, 2018 – February 18, 2018
Description: This course will take students to Boston and Cambridge, MA in order to explore
important historical sites of our nation and visit a number of universities.
Day 1: The trip will begin with students exploring Cambridge and its historic universities,
Harvard and MIT. Students will explore Harvard through a scavenger hunt and visiting the
famous restaurant Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage for lunch. In addition, students will visit MIT
and explore the science museum. The first day will wrap up with students exploring the MBTA
(The T) subway system and visiting the historic North End (Boston’s Little Italy). In the North
End students will visit parts of the Freedom Trail and enjoy dinner in one of the fine restaurants
that the North End offers.
Day 2: The students will again spend the day traveling the T and visiting universities. Students
will visit Boston University, Northeastern University, and Boston College. We will attend 4pm
mass at Boston College. Students will enjoy a college hockey game at either NEU, BC, BU, or
Harvard.
Day 3: Students will complete a walking tour of the Freedom Trail and visit the USS
Constitution. They will see many of the founding sights of our nation such as site of the Boston
Massacre, Bunker Hill. Students will then take the T to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the
United States Senate. Students will experience and interact in a simulated session of the U.S.
Senate.
Costs: The cost of the trip includes: round-trip airfare on Southwest, two nights hotel stay,
breakfast each day, museum entry fees, transportation, two dinners, and hockey game tickets.
Students are responsible for lunch each day, two dinners and any personal discretionary
spending.
Approximate cost per student is between $430 and $755.
Course title: Colorado & The History of the Olympics
Instructor(s): Mr. Boyd & TBA
Dates: TBD: May 29 – June 5, 2018
Description: This course will take students to Colorado Springs. The first part of the trip will
involve visiting Colorado Springs. Activities here include visiting and climbing the Pikes Peak
Stairs. These stairs are where numerous Olympians and Olympic hopefuls go to train daily.
While in Colorado Springs we will take a tour to the Olympic Training Center, where Olympians
live and train. Students will get to talk to future Olympian Kamal Bey and 2008 Olympian Ellis
Coleman about their training, schooling, and lives in the Colorado Springs Elite Athlete
Program. Before leaving Colorado Springs we will visit the United States Air Force Academy
Chapel and have mass.
Costs: The cost of the trip includes: round-trip airfare on Southwest, three nights hotel stay,
breakfast each day, Olympic Training Center Tour fees, transportation, three dinners. Students
are responsible for lunch each day and any personal discretionary spending.
Approximate cost is between $450 and $550.
Course title: Birthplace of a Nation and its Constitution
Instructors: Mr. Andrew DiMarco and Fr. Paul Galetto, OSA
Dates: December 27, 2017 thru December 31, 2017
Description: This course will take students to Philadelphia and New Jersey. The first part of the
trip will involve visiting the Jersey Shore. Activities here include visiting Stockton University
and its Marine Biology Program, visiting the Mammal Stranding Center and reviewing its work
to save wildlife, visiting a casino in Atlantic City and getting a behind-the-scenes look at its
operation and a visit to St. Augustine Prep. In the Philadelphia area the course will visit
Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, The Constitution Center, Olde St. Augustine Church (where
the Augustinian Order first served our country) and take in a walking tour of Philadelphia. We
will spend one day at Valley Forge National Park and visit surrounding sights such at Villanova
University, Malvern Prep, St. Joseph University, the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel
University. There will also be a visit to the Art Museum and a run up the Rocky steps. Parts of
Philadelphia’s culinary will be examined with mandatory visits to Pat’s Steaks and Wawa.
Costs: The cost of the trip includes: round-trip airfare on Southwest, four nights hotel stay,
breakfast each day, museum entry fees, transportation, two dinners. Students are responsible for
lunch each day, two dinners and any personal discretionary spending. Approximate cost based on
24 students is between $500 and $750 based on 24 students
Course title: Outdoor Adventures and National Parks
Instructors: Mr. Perlberg & TBA
Dates: TBD: May 29 – June 5, 2018
Students will team up for a one week excursion to a national park or camping ground - options
include Isle Royale or Glacier National Park, based on availability.
The course is open to students of any experience level. We will cover the basics of camping,
hiking, backpacking, navigation, and cooking outdoors.
Equipment will be rented and travel will be either bus or train (depending on final destination).
The cost is between $400-$700 per student.
Tier IV Courses
Water, Water Everywhere
Immigration Chicago
High Tech Chicago
Chicago History
Introduction to Astronomy
Illinois History Museums
Exploring Media in Chicago
Your Family’s Story
Action / Reaction Chemistry
Spring College Tour & Football Coaching Experience
Holiday Baking
Body and Soul
Course title: Water, Water Everywhere
Instructor: Mr. Conroy
Dates: End of Second Semester
This Minimester class will be focused on our most abundant natural resource in Chicago and the
Midwest: water. We will look at the good, the beautiful, the ugly, and the bad of our water
resources. The course will combine adventure, exercise, science, architecture, business,
engineering and history. We will examine the entertainment, economic and health value of our
most precious natural resource and learn about historical events related to it. Students will not
need any special equipment or clothing, but there will be days and events during which you’ll get
wet!
Possible watery adventures include:
Kayaking Chicago River (architectural tour): $69 per person (kayakchicago.com)
Visit to the Port of Chicago: free
Visit to U.S. Coast Guard Station: free
*Sailing on Lake Michigan with 3rd Coast Cruising: $200/hour/boat (2 boat Minimum):
$50/person
A trip to the freshwater sciences college at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee: free
A trip to the wastewater treatment plant in Stickney: free
A trip to Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River: $10 entrance fee? 815-667-4906
A visit to the Water Department of the City of Chicago: free
A visit with a City of Chicago bridge tender: free
*A boat trip out to a "crib "in Lake Michigan or the Olive Park Water Filtration Plant
*Chicago Area Waterway System in Lemont or other locations, fighting invasive species—800628-6860
Cook County Forest Preserve Lake for hiking, fishing: free
Cost (based on 24 students)
Estimated Admissions and Participation Fees: $150*
Estimated Transportation Fee for the week, including tips: $50
Meals, etc.: $0-50 (students are responsible for their own lunch each day)
Variability in Costs: $0-50
Estimated Total Cost: $200-$300
Course title: Immigration Chicago
Instructors: Mrs. Boldt and Mr. Reed
Dates: June 6th – June 10th 2018
Description: This course will provide students with an opportunity to look into the immigration
history of Chicago. The first part of the course will begin at Jane Addams’ Hull-House Museum,
where the students will gain an overview of the history of immigration in Chicago. The students
will be given a tour of the museum and view a documentary on immigration and Jane Addams’
mission. Next, the students will visit the Chicago History Museum for a workshop and will have
an opportunity to view the museum. The Students will then meet with an Immigration lawyer
who will provide the students with an insight into the immigration process. Students will also
visit the different immigrant communities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, in order to
experience the cultural importance of our City’s immigrants, their contributions, and their
culture. Students will have the opportunity to go on tours throughout the different communities,
visit cultural landmarks, and to immerse themselves within the culture through dining, shopping,
sightseeing, and exploration of the area. At the end of each class session, students will be
required to discuss the day’s cultural immersion.
Costs: The costs of the course include guided tours, museum admissions, CTA transportation,
dining, and shopping.
Travel: CTA Transportation $28 for CTA 7-day pass (+$5 for new Ventra Pass – no fee for
current Ventra Pass users)
Museums/Tours:
Jane Addams Hull House Museum – $6
Little Italy Walking tour- $18
China Town Walking tour- $3
Pilsen Food Tour- $55 (Includes cost of five food samplings at five different locations)
Chicago History Museum / Facing Freedom Student Workshop - $5 (Free Tuesday Admission)
Romero Center
Meals/Shopping - Students are responsible for lunch each day and personal discretionary
spending. (Estimated $20-25 per day) This does not include Pilsen Food Tour with pre-factored
pricing ($20).
Total Cost: Estimate $300 (Food included in pricing)
Course Title: Hi-Tech Chicago
Instructors: Mr. Harrington
Dates: May 21 – May 25, 2018
Description: As technology has become more accessible, mobile and social, Chicago is
emerging as a hub for tech startups, as well as education and research. This course will explore
what it takes to succeed and what the next great idea might be. Students will visit several
technology companies in the downtown area to see emerging technologies and learn about
various tech jobs. They will participate in a robotics demo with members of the Illinois Institute
of Technology's Illinois Tech Robotics group. They will visit and explore programs and degrees
offered by the Art Institute, DePaul University and Columbia College and they will complete the
week working on developing an app at Mobile Makers offices.
Costs: The cost of the trip includes transportation from St. Rita and back each day and students
should bring $20 for lunch downtown each day.
Total Cost: $260 based on 15 students.
Course title: Chicago History
Instructors: Ms. Dion and Mr. Pazin
Dates: 1 Saturday or Sunday in the Fall of 2017, 1 Saturday or Sunday in the Spring of 2018 and
May 22-24, 2018.
Description: This course will give students a firsthand experience exploring several of Chicago’s
most famous historical landmarks and encounter the rich cultural tradition of our city. We will
travel by school bus to the various locations and then back to St. Rita each day.
Itinerary:
Lincoln Park walking tour (weather permitting) in a.m. & Chicago History Museum: Tuesday,
May 22, 2018, 12:30-3:30-(free on Tuesday afternoons)
Architectural boat tour on the Chicago River ($ 46.00) and walking tour of River walk and north
Michigan Ave.: Autumn, 2017
Chicago crime bus tour $40.00 (corner of Michigan & Pearson) & Chicago Theater tour $15
(175 N. State St.) Spring, 2018
Boat tour of Chicago’s Lake Michigan shoreline ($25) and tour of Navy Pier, May 2018
Willis Tower Sky Deck- $13, (233 S. Wacker Dr.), and a walking tour of the South Loop
Wicker Park & Buck town walking tour-$25 - alternate possibility
Possible tour of Tribune Tower
Approximate cost: $250 - $300 for the week - Lunch not included in costs.
Course title: Introduction to Astronomy
Instructor: Mr. Conrath
Dates: March thru end of May
Description: This course will introduce students to the wonders of the universe. We will be
doing preliminary work at St. Rita to get background knowledge about the cosmos and how the
field of astronomy developed. The course will meet on a few Saturday's in 2018 to view video
about the universe and astronomy. We will take day trips to the Adler Planetarium on Chicago's
lakefront and The Yerkes Observatory in Lake Geneva. Dates to be determined
Costs: Total Approximate Cost: $200
Course title: Illinois Museums History Tours
Instructor: Mrs. Pangrazio
Dates: TBD
Excursions: Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, the Holocaust Museum in Skokie, and
Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in Chicago.
Description: This course will take students to 3 Illinois museums all dealing with Historical
figures and events. We will meet at St. Rita for class on the first Monday and tour Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday, with a final class at St. Rita on that Friday. Reflections will be written for
the Vietnam art museum; scavenger hunt will be done at the Lincoln museum as well as a
historical document worksheet(s) and the students will reflect in person on the Holocaust
museum.
Costs: The cost of the trip includes: round-trip bus fare cost based on number of students. The
Lincoln museum admission is $12.00 (students bring own lunch); the Holocaust museum
admission is $8.00 (students bring own lunch) and the Vietnam Art museum is free (students
bring own lunch)
Approximate cost per student is $150-200
Course title: Exploring Media in Chicago
Instructor: Mr. Baffoe
Dates: various weekday afternoons, Saturdays, and school off days throughout the 2017-18
school year
Description: This course will allow students to experience the rich history and important
currency of print and audio/visual media in one of the world’s most cosmopolitan, layered, and
intersectional cities--Chicago. Sports, political, and community media and their intersections will
be examined hands on. Students will have an opportunity to engage with members of Chicago’s
print, TV, and radio media, including CBS Chicago sports columnist and instructor, Mr. Baffoe.
Trips planned include visiting the 670 The Score radio studios, the WXAV radio studios of St.
Xavier University and possibly sitting in on a radio/communications class there, a tour of the
media-centric Columbia College and Illinois Media School, a tour of the WGN/CLTV studios
and seeing live how a news program is produced, The Beverly Review to see the inner workings
of a local newspaper, and the Museum of Broadcast Communications. Students will also have
Q&A sessions with local and national professional media personalities and industry workers.
Willing participants so far include St. Rita grad and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Sam Charles,
St. Rita grad and Lake (of the Ozarks) Media reporter Cody Mroczka, Greg Wyshynski of
Yahoo! Sports, 670 The Score host Danny Parkins, Maggie Hendricks of USA Today, Evan F.
Moore of The Shadow League and elsewhere, Craig Edwards of Fangraphs, and Kyle Garmes of
The Beverly Review.
This course requires the student be an active participant in each facet. He will be required to ask
good, pertinent questions throughout each trip and meeting with professionals in the media
industry. He will be expected to come with several prepared questions for each Q&A session
with a guest speaker. Lack of consistent participation and attendance in each trip/Q&A session
will lead to failure for the course.
Costs: they will be extremely low. The Museum of Broadcast Communications costs $8 per
student to enter, and it, 670 The Score, Columbia, and IMS are all downtown and can be reached
by train fare. CTA train rides are $2.25 each way (students who currently own Ventra cards
would pay less), and the Metra Rock Island is $5.25 each way or $47.25 for a ten-ride pass
between La Salle St. station and all South Side stops. Train trips would be coordinated as a group
for those specific days so as many class members are traveling together as possible. St. Xavier
and the Beverly Review are close enough for carpooling/individual transportation. Bus
transportation would be needed for travel to WGN. The Q&A sessions with individual media
members would take place at St. Rita in person or via teleconference, and the speakers have
graciously provided their time free of charge. Tours of Columbia and IMS are free. Personal
discretionary spending, including meals, will be up to the student.
Total approximate cost is approximately $150.
Course title: Your Family’s Story
Instructor: Mrs. Kurnat
Dates: End of Second Semester
Description: this course will provide students with the basic tools and resources to begin to trace
their family genealogy. At least two trips will be taken to the National Archives, learning how
to research and gather documents about their family members.
Other time will be spent discovering sites to broaden the investigation of their family’s story.
As a capstone to the experience of researching and organizing, your pictures, documents and
information will be pulled together into a bound book designed by the student.
This course will be held at St. Rita High School.
Total Approximate Cost: $100
Course title: Action / Reaction: Chemistry in Everyday Life
Instructor: Mrs. Krystof
Dates: End of Second Semester
Possible Field Trips include the Argonne National Lab, Abbott Labs, and the Chicago Filtration
Plant
Lab/Classroom: 3-4 days in the St. Rita Chemistry Lab
Chemistry Treasure Hunt– Mixture of materials which students need to identify. The various
tests that will be performed: observation, melting point, index of refraction, microscopic work,
separation processes, etc. The internet will be used along with the chemical processes.
Approximate Cost: $50 - $100
Course title: Spring College Tour & Football Coaching Experience
Instructors: Mr. Kuska & Mr. O’Sullivan
Dates: The dates will be determined next year. Most dates will fall between February and
April. Weekends are a strong possibility. A date may be added over Christmas break due to the
possibility of Bowl practices. Possible locations: Notre Dame, Northwestern, University of
Illinois, Northern Illinois University, St. Xavier University, Illinois State University, Illinois
Wesleyan University.
Number of days: 4-5
Educational Objective:
Introduce students to the world of coaching football through the attendance of college spring
practices and meetings. Students will have the opportunity to attend practices, interact with
coaches and players, possible meet with team managers, and meet with college admissions
personnel.
Cost: $55
This cost includes all possible bus routes and tips to drivers. There is no fee at any of the
locations.
Course title: Holiday Baking
Instructor: Mrs. Palmer
Dates: Various days throughout the year
Description: This course will teach students how to bake and decorate holiday treats. The
holidays we will be focusing on are Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and
Easter. Each holiday we will make various treats like cupcakes, cookies, cakes, etc.
This course will be held at St. Rita High School.
Cost: Free
Course title: Body and Soul
Instructor: Mrs. Scaduto
Dates: TBD: Most dates will occur over Thanksgiving and Christmas break
Description: This course will introduce students to a day in the life of a doctor. Students will
meet at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn and shadow different types of doctors throughout a couple
of days. They will be able to make rounds with the doctor and see what a day looks like through
their eyes. They will also be able to see a surgery on one of the days.
Students will also take a tour of the Ronald McDonald House located in Oak Lawn, and
volunteer for the “Meals from the Heart”. The students will purchase the ingredients to make
lunch for all of the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, cook on site, and then serve
the families lunch while sitting down and getting to talk.
As a “final” project, the students will help put together a blood drive at the school. The blood
drive will be on November 4, 2018 (if the facilities are available).
Cost: Free
Please note: At this time Minimester registration is open only to the Classes of 2019 and 2020. Class of 2021 registration will be announced later this spring.
Minimester Registration Form 2017-2018
NOTE: PLEASE PRINT THIS FORM AND SUBMIT IT TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN APRIL 27, 2017.
Print Student Name: __________________________Class Year: 20___ Parent Signature:________________________
-Register for one course only.
- To register for a Tier I, Tier II or Tier III check the box next to the course and make a check for $50 payable to St. Rita of Cascia High School. On the
Memo line, please print the course name and student’s name.
- If you are taking a Tier IV course , you just need to check your preference at this point. This is not a commitment. Official registration for Tier IV
courses will take place at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.
- All forms are due by Thursday April 27, 2017.
*Prices may vary depending on how many students sign-up for a course. The listed prices are estimates. Final cost will be given at the end of the
registration period.
- Deposits for courses are non-refundable after May 25, 2017.
-A student who registers for a Tier I, II or III course may transfer his registration until May 25, 2017.
Select
Title
Tier I Courses
Capitals of Italy and France
Hearts/Sports in Motion Guatemala
Smoky Mountains
Tier II Courses
Discover Democracy in Washington, DC
Texas Tour
Tier III Courses
Freedom Trail Boston and Colleges
Colorado and Olympics
Philadelphia: Birthplace of a Nation
Outdoor Adventures and National Parks
Teacher
Date
Cost
Brewick/Dolan
Standring
Berry
March 29-April 6 2018
May 26 – June 3
End of Second Semester
$3,779
$2,400
$1,350
Conlon/Valponi/ Kellam
Ruiz
May 26-31, 2018
May 26- June2, 2018
$920
$740-870
O’Connor
Boyd
Galetto/DiMarco
Perlberg
February 16-18, 2017
TBD May 29-June 5, 2018
December 27-31, 2017
May 29-June 5, 2018
$430-755
$450-550
$225-400
$400-700
See next page for Tier IV Courses and International Student Exchange Program Option.
Please note: At this time Minimester registration is open only to the Classes of 2019 and 2020. Class of 2021 registration will be announced later this spring.
Minimester Registration Form 2017-2018
NOTE: PLEASE PRINT THIS FORM AND SUBMIT IT TO THE PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE NO LATER THAN APRIL 27, 2017.
Print Student Name: __________________________Class Year: 20___ Parent Signature:________________________
Tier IV Courses
Water, Water
Conroy
End of Second Semester
Immigration Chicago
Boldt/Reed
June 6-10, 2018
High Tech Chicago
Harrington
May 21-25, 2018
Chicago History
Dion/Pazin
Weekends in fall, spring and May
Astronomy
Conrath
Various dates March thru May
Illinois History Museums
Pangrazio
End of second semester
Media in Chicago
Baffoe
Various dates (weekends)
Family Story
Kurnat
May 2018
Action/Reaction Chemistry
Krystof
End of second semester
Spring College Tour
Kuska/O’Sullivan
February thru April
Holiday Baking
Palmer
Various dates (weekends)
Body and Soul
Scaduto
Thanksgiving and Christmas
NOTE: Changes to Minimester offerings may be made at the discretion of the St. Rita Administration.
$200-300
$300
$260
$250-300
$200
$150-200
$150
$100
$50-100
$55
FREE
FREE
International Student Exchange Program Option
NOTE: This option fulfills the Minimester requirement and offers .25 credit.
Each year, St. Rita of Cascia partners with Augustinian schools from other parts of the world for a 2-week/2-week student exchange. We anticipate that in 20172018 we will partner with the Augustinian school in Brisbane, Australia (Villanova College) and/or the Augustinian school in Buenos Aires, Argentina (St. Martin
de Tours School). Australia is ideal for sophomores and Argentina for juniors. Each participating St. Rita family will host one student during his stay in Chicago,
and the St. Rita student will stay with his counterpart’s family at the conclusion of our school year. During both parts of the exchange students attend classes,
participate in cultural events and become a member of the host family’s household. Both visiting students and St. Rita students are accompanied by a faculty
chaperone. Anticipated cost is between $2,500 and $3,500. Interested students are required to complete an application, and only five students will be selected
per exchange program. Exchange Program applicants should also select a Minimester course in case they are not accepted for the Exchange
Program. Applications are due by May 1 and applicants will be notified of acceptance decisions in order to sign up for a Tier I, II or III Minimester course. For
more information, please contact St. Rita Student Exchange Program Director Mrs. Colleen Earley at [email protected].
Please check any that apply.
I want to register for the Exchange Program with: ______Australia only ______Argentina only ______either Australia or Argentina