Faculty by Decade:
Bob Stark 64, Denny King 64
Mark Dyar 75, John Birney 76
Bob Riker 85
Dave Sofran 94, Brian Kalczynski 94, Dan McGrath 96, Joe Kalczynski 96, Ryan Lawson 97
Andrew Ciesielski 2002
Coaches: (list is incomplete)
track & cross-country - Bob Stark, Denny King
soccer - Paul Attard
football - Dave Sofran, Kevin Hart, Jim Fontanesi, Mark Goebel, Brad Cochran
golf - Mark Dyar
hockey - Bill Christie, Bruce Wilberding
basketball - Leon MacDonald, Joe Kalczynski
wrestling - Jim Nelson
baseball - Bob Riker, Brian Kalczynski,
lacrosse - Chris Feldman, Ajay Chawla, Mike Walker, Ryan Holden, Phil Vincente, Roger Himrod
I am the President of Brother Rice High School. I've decided to occasionally share my thoughts about education, students, teachers, faith formation, family, academics, athletics, administration, advancement, alumni, admissions and other school topics as appropriate. Feel free to respond to birney@brrice.edu
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
We Are Brother Rice
During my graduation speech this year, I unexpectedly choked up while describing the soccer team's practice during this past fall playoffs of praying together with our student crowd. It was a unique moment in a spectator sport - hundreds of student spectators quietly kneeling in the stands together with the team kneeling next to them and praying together before the game - its a visual image that I will never forget. The message that this sent to our students, their families, and the broader community about the meaning of prayer & faith & brotherhood at Brother Rice is very powerful and for me, unforgettable. It is a symbol of our mission. As soon as I get a picture, I'll post it. In the meantime, here's a photo from the recent lacrosse season that reminds me of faith and prayer and brotherhood....
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Ipads & E-Textbooks
I love technology - no question. I'm a geek and proud of it - I know my dad would be proud.
That said, I have NEVER made the argument that computers would replace teachers, nor have I made the argument that bad teachers become good teachers with technology.
The fact of the matter is that great teachers who utilize technology effectively offer a great value to their students in this day and age.
So now we have teachers who can use computers effectively for grades and presentations and lectures and research and other stuff, and we have students who seem innately capable of exploring technology and are hooked on its multimedia/communication elements. Blending the two together effectively so that learning takes place is NOT automatic. For a school to effectively use computers in the classroom requires teachers who are willing to teach students who actually integrate the computer as a part of the learning process.
Now Apple produces a $600 tablet computer and signs a deal with the major textbook manufacturers so that it can offer Ipads to students with all of their textbooks available electronically. Is this a game changer?
For us, it may well be. I don't like students spending $400 annually to carry 100 lbs. of textbooks that they have to lug around. What if they could carry around a "universal device" like the Ipad that contained all of their textbooks electronically. Instead of lugging around a heavy object for hours on end, what if they carried around a productivity tool that enabled them to read, research, write, communicate, calculate....the list goes on and on. A teacher could easily adjust to the availability of an electronic textbook - what's the transition? Having an electronic textbook that could also enable a student to write an essay, do research, prepare a presentation, etc. has significant value to me, especially when we are preparing students for college & professional careers in which these tools are and will be ever-present.
My guess is that we will thoroughly explore the Ipad/E-Textbook solution during the 2010-2011 calendar year to determine if it represents an academic, intellectual and financial benefit to us. Here's the first article I've seen of a school that is testing the devices this summer: http://trib.com/news/local/article_f16bc845-df1c-54a1-a0be-196a42cb6ad2.html
That said, I have NEVER made the argument that computers would replace teachers, nor have I made the argument that bad teachers become good teachers with technology.
The fact of the matter is that great teachers who utilize technology effectively offer a great value to their students in this day and age.
So now we have teachers who can use computers effectively for grades and presentations and lectures and research and other stuff, and we have students who seem innately capable of exploring technology and are hooked on its multimedia/communication elements. Blending the two together effectively so that learning takes place is NOT automatic. For a school to effectively use computers in the classroom requires teachers who are willing to teach students who actually integrate the computer as a part of the learning process.
Now Apple produces a $600 tablet computer and signs a deal with the major textbook manufacturers so that it can offer Ipads to students with all of their textbooks available electronically. Is this a game changer?
For us, it may well be. I don't like students spending $400 annually to carry 100 lbs. of textbooks that they have to lug around. What if they could carry around a "universal device" like the Ipad that contained all of their textbooks electronically. Instead of lugging around a heavy object for hours on end, what if they carried around a productivity tool that enabled them to read, research, write, communicate, calculate....the list goes on and on. A teacher could easily adjust to the availability of an electronic textbook - what's the transition? Having an electronic textbook that could also enable a student to write an essay, do research, prepare a presentation, etc. has significant value to me, especially when we are preparing students for college & professional careers in which these tools are and will be ever-present.
My guess is that we will thoroughly explore the Ipad/E-Textbook solution during the 2010-2011 calendar year to determine if it represents an academic, intellectual and financial benefit to us. Here's the first article I've seen of a school that is testing the devices this summer: http://trib.com/news/local/article_f16bc845-df1c-54a1-a0be-196a42cb6ad2.html
Monday, June 14, 2010
Numbers
50 years as an institution to celebrate this fall (1960-2010)
47 graduating classes
9,000 graduates
98% college graduation rate classes of 2004 & 2005 in five years
80% college graduation rate classes of 2004 $ 2005 in four years
26.2 Average ACT score class of 2009
$9.5 Million in college scholarships class of 2009
9 National Merit Scholars 2010
7 State Academic All-State Teams on average
55 State Athletic Championships
1996 - birth year of freshmen in the class of 2014
60 "feeder schools" of Rice students
66% Rice grads estimated to be living in Michigan
70%+ Rice graduates attend college in-state
400+ Rice grads living in Chicago area
300+ Rice grads living in California
300+ Rice grads living in Florida
100+ Rice grads living in NY
1969 Bob Stark & Al Fracassa begin their careers at Rice
1971 Paul Gray begins his career at Rice
1972 Jim Rademacher begins his career at Rice
1973 Dave Kozlowski & Ron Kalczynski begin their careers at Rice
1974 Carl Grosso begins his career at Rice
1975 Frank Carrico begins his career at Rice
1980 Br. MacIntyre begins his career at Rice
1981 Patrick McDunn & Mike Hoch & Doug Filo begin their teaching careers at Rice
47 graduating classes
9,000 graduates
98% college graduation rate classes of 2004 & 2005 in five years
80% college graduation rate classes of 2004 $ 2005 in four years
26.2 Average ACT score class of 2009
$9.5 Million in college scholarships class of 2009
9 National Merit Scholars 2010
7 State Academic All-State Teams on average
55 State Athletic Championships
1996 - birth year of freshmen in the class of 2014
60 "feeder schools" of Rice students
66% Rice grads estimated to be living in Michigan
70%+ Rice graduates attend college in-state
400+ Rice grads living in Chicago area
300+ Rice grads living in California
300+ Rice grads living in Florida
100+ Rice grads living in NY
1969 Bob Stark & Al Fracassa begin their careers at Rice
1971 Paul Gray begins his career at Rice
1972 Jim Rademacher begins his career at Rice
1973 Dave Kozlowski & Ron Kalczynski begin their careers at Rice
1974 Carl Grosso begins his career at Rice
1975 Frank Carrico begins his career at Rice
1980 Br. MacIntyre begins his career at Rice
1981 Patrick McDunn & Mike Hoch & Doug Filo begin their teaching careers at Rice
Saturday, June 12, 2010
People, Programs and Physical Plant
A number of schools in our area have, thanks to public bond money, built some tremendous facilities. Troy High, Clarkston, Hartland are just a few examples of institutions that are exceptionally impressive physically.
How has Brother Rice thrived over the years despite facilities that have (at least historically) been considered at best mediocre? I question if any Rice grad from the 60's or 70's or 80's would defend our building....frankly, there wasn't much to brag about until the late 80's addition of the new media center and D wing.
As President, one of my most important tasks is to raise funds to rebuild and renovate our soon to be 50 year old building. We've made great progress - the academic facility has been reborn with the science & engineering wing left to complete, while the athletic facility has been reborn with the gym/locker room complex remaining.
If I had 10 million in cash today, we could finish the renovation and Brother Rice would compete with ANY school in the area in terms of the physical plant. But it wouldn't ensure that we would be successful because the fact is that without the right people and programs, it doesn't matter.
Al Fracassa has told the story many times about the college coaches who would visit Brother Rice and ask him to show them our facilities. When coach walked them to the back of the school to see the field, they would frequently say to him - seriously, show us your facility. I'm not proud of the fact that for years our great school has had mediocre facilities, but I am extraordinarily proud of the fact that we have triumphed over what many would see as an debilitating obstacle because we have had so many great teachers and coaches and counselors over the past 50 years whose commitment to the mission of Catholic education has made an incredible difference in the lives of over 9,000 graduates.
This year, five faculty members have chosen to retire from our institution: Veronica Dewey, Rachel Boudreau, Lorraine Meier, Jerry Shaw, George Henretty. These individuals have given over 115 years of professional dedication to the boys of Brother Rice. We are forever grateful for their efforts on behalf of Catholic education, and we are absolutely mindful that finding the right people to fill their positions is critical to our success as an institution. Study after study shows that its not the physical plant that matters most, its the people who work with our sons who can shape and mold and transform and sometimes even save lives.
May the good Lord bless our retirees who have dedicated their lives to such a noble endeavor.
How has Brother Rice thrived over the years despite facilities that have (at least historically) been considered at best mediocre? I question if any Rice grad from the 60's or 70's or 80's would defend our building....frankly, there wasn't much to brag about until the late 80's addition of the new media center and D wing.
As President, one of my most important tasks is to raise funds to rebuild and renovate our soon to be 50 year old building. We've made great progress - the academic facility has been reborn with the science & engineering wing left to complete, while the athletic facility has been reborn with the gym/locker room complex remaining.
If I had 10 million in cash today, we could finish the renovation and Brother Rice would compete with ANY school in the area in terms of the physical plant. But it wouldn't ensure that we would be successful because the fact is that without the right people and programs, it doesn't matter.
Al Fracassa has told the story many times about the college coaches who would visit Brother Rice and ask him to show them our facilities. When coach walked them to the back of the school to see the field, they would frequently say to him - seriously, show us your facility. I'm not proud of the fact that for years our great school has had mediocre facilities, but I am extraordinarily proud of the fact that we have triumphed over what many would see as an debilitating obstacle because we have had so many great teachers and coaches and counselors over the past 50 years whose commitment to the mission of Catholic education has made an incredible difference in the lives of over 9,000 graduates.
This year, five faculty members have chosen to retire from our institution: Veronica Dewey, Rachel Boudreau, Lorraine Meier, Jerry Shaw, George Henretty. These individuals have given over 115 years of professional dedication to the boys of Brother Rice. We are forever grateful for their efforts on behalf of Catholic education, and we are absolutely mindful that finding the right people to fill their positions is critical to our success as an institution. Study after study shows that its not the physical plant that matters most, its the people who work with our sons who can shape and mold and transform and sometimes even save lives.
May the good Lord bless our retirees who have dedicated their lives to such a noble endeavor.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Spring Athletics 2010
As most everyone knows by now, Brother Rice is an athletic powerhouse. Our record of success and achievement is unprecedented in the state of Michigan. Our record this spring is worth noting:
1. Golf - Catholic League champions, Oakland County Champions, District and Regional Champions. At the regional, our five golfers shot 67, 69, 69, 71 and 73. Incredible. Today and tomorrow they are playing for the state championship.
2. Lacrosse - Catholic League Champions, Midwest Champions, District and Regional Champions, defending state champions, undefeated in the state of Michigan for the past 8 years, playing for the state championship tomorrow against our great rivals Catholic Central.
3. Track - Rice Relay Champions, Ambrose Relay Champions, Regional Champions
4. Baseball - Catholic League Champions, District Champions. The Warriors play in the Regionals at Novi on Saturday against Walled Lake Central at noon. If we win, we play the winner of Novi vs. Canton in the afternoon for the Regional Championship.
Our athletes and coaches are to be commended for continuing the legacy of success by their commitment to excellence. Congratulations on a great spring sport season and good luck to golf, lacrosse and baseball in their quests to become state champions.
1. Golf - Catholic League champions, Oakland County Champions, District and Regional Champions. At the regional, our five golfers shot 67, 69, 69, 71 and 73. Incredible. Today and tomorrow they are playing for the state championship.
2. Lacrosse - Catholic League Champions, Midwest Champions, District and Regional Champions, defending state champions, undefeated in the state of Michigan for the past 8 years, playing for the state championship tomorrow against our great rivals Catholic Central.
3. Track - Rice Relay Champions, Ambrose Relay Champions, Regional Champions
4. Baseball - Catholic League Champions, District Champions. The Warriors play in the Regionals at Novi on Saturday against Walled Lake Central at noon. If we win, we play the winner of Novi vs. Canton in the afternoon for the Regional Championship.
Our athletes and coaches are to be commended for continuing the legacy of success by their commitment to excellence. Congratulations on a great spring sport season and good luck to golf, lacrosse and baseball in their quests to become state champions.
Great news to share about a Hall of Famer.
Br. David MacIntyre has been on the faculty at Brother Rice High School for the past 30 years. Two years ago, he celebrated his 50th year as a Christian Brother. He is a beloved figure at our institution and a member of our Hall of Fame. He is also my friend and someone that I have known and admired for 34 years.
Earlier this year, Br. Mac received news that he had cancer and required chemo treatments. It was a difficult and grueling experience that forced Br. Mac to leave the classroom in February. As we witnessed the inevitable impact of chemo on this wonderful man, we hoped and prayed that the treatments would work. Yesterday, we received the great news that he is clean of cancer!
I know that every member of our community gives thanks to God for this wonderful news. God has blessed Mac with health and He has blessed us with a very special man.
Earlier this year, Br. Mac received news that he had cancer and required chemo treatments. It was a difficult and grueling experience that forced Br. Mac to leave the classroom in February. As we witnessed the inevitable impact of chemo on this wonderful man, we hoped and prayed that the treatments would work. Yesterday, we received the great news that he is clean of cancer!
I know that every member of our community gives thanks to God for this wonderful news. God has blessed Mac with health and He has blessed us with a very special man.
Alumni World Tour Part 121 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
Two-thirds of our graduates live in Michigan. One-third do not, and when I travel, I try to make contact with alums who live in the city that I am visiting.
Last week, I held an alumni gathering in Minneapolis at the Minneapolis Hilton. Based upon our database, there are about 25 grads living in the Twin Cities, and on this night, 15 of them gathered together to laugh, network, and reconnect with their alma mater and their brother grads. As usual, there was a wide span of graduates in attendance - Tom Lelich '72 was the "senior" member of the group, while Joe Bahoora and Brett Heberer 2003 were the youngsters. John Luke '78 is the manager of the Hilton and as you can imagine he did a great job of setting up the venue and ensuring quality service from the wait staff!
We had a great time. I really enjoyed myself and was glad to reconnect with so many alums. The Twin Cities are beautiful and warm in June....don't expect to return for a winter alumni event anytime soon!!!
We had a great time. I really enjoyed myself and was glad to reconnect with so many alums. The Twin Cities are beautiful and warm in June....don't expect to return for a winter alumni event anytime soon!!!
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