Natural and Mathematical Sciences Division
Encompasses
+Math
+Science
+Physical Education
Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences: Mary Mansavage
Math Department
Classes
Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Algebra II-H, Freshman Algebra II-H
Integrated Math Concepts
General Geometry, Geometry, Geometry-H
Topics in Algebra I, II
Mathematics for the Liberal Arts
Trigonometry
College Algebra
Finite Math-H
Faculty
Mager, Bethany
Ms. Mager has been teaching since 2003. She graduated from University of Dayton in Ohio with a B.A. in Adolescent to Young Adult Education. She is currently taking classes at Walden University to earn a Masters in Technology in the Classroom. Ms. Mager teaches Geometry, PreCalculus, and AP Calculus. In addition to her classes, she is Co-Moderator of Junior Class Officers, Coordinator of Kairos Retreat, Tech Committee Member, and is Secretary of the Student Life Committee.
Mansavage, Mary
As Dean of Math and Natural Sciences, Mary Mansavage over sees the math, science, physical education, and business departments. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Northwestern University. In addition to her duties as dean, she teaches Finite Math and College Algebra and Trig. Teaching at Guerin for the past 15 years, she is also an adjunct faculty member for St. Mary's College in Winona, Wisconsin and teaches Guerin's PAAC course, Finite Math.
Meo, Melinda
Ms. Meo teaches pre-Algebra and Algebra II, in addition to coordinating the peer tutoring program for the Welch Center.
Newman, Thomas
Mr. Newman has been teaching since 2001 after an eight-year career as a computer consultant. He most recently taught at Grayslake Community High School and at Oak Park and River Forest High School, Oak Park, prior to that.
Pansino, Marie
Ms. Pansino currently teaches both Algebra II and Honors Algebra II in addition to Mathematics for the Liberal Arts.
Beth Stachura
Activities
Mathematics serves a three-fold purpose in the curriculum. It contributes to the personal growth of the individual by providing the student with practical knowledge, developing in him/her a facility with deductive and inductive reasoning, basic to responsible decision-making and logical thought.
Secondly, the study of mathematics as a discipline is in itself worthwhile, revealing the beauty and order in the world in which the student lives. Finally, the study of mathematics leads the student to come to an awareness and appreciation of the place of mathematics in his or her own life and in all cultural and social structures.
The Mathematics Department of Guerin Prep strives to develop the innate potential of students by providing an atmosphere of support and challenge in which they can discover their own potential and confidently make progress toward its fulfillment.
The students taking mathematics (usually in the honors level classes) can participate in several contests. The first is the Illinois Mathematics League Contests (www.mathleague.com). There are six tests throughout the year; each consists of six questions. Students are given 30 minutes to complete them. The scores are then submitted. Additionally, the Math League sponsor a contest in the spring for students enrolled in Algebra I.
The second contest is the American Mathematics Competitions sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America. This is a national contest given in February. There is a level 12 and a level 10 contest. All students in honors math classes take this in the cafeteria during the first two periods of the day. The AMC web site is www.unl.edu/amc.
Science Department
Classes
Integrated Lab Science I-Matter and Energy
Integrated Lab Science II-Change Over Time
Integrated Lab Science III-Earth Systems and Interactions
Biology, Biology-H
Anatomy and Physiology
Genetics
Chem Com, Chemistry, Chemistry-H
Environmental Science
Physics, Physics-H
Science Seminar-H
Advanced Placement Chemistry-HH
Advanced Placement Biology-HH
Advanced Placement Environmental Science-HH
Faculty
Casey, Valerie
Ms. Casey began teaching at Guerin Prep in 2006 after graduating from Northwestern University with a B.A. in Chemistry with Honors. Currently, she is working on her M.A. degree in teaching at Dominican University. Ms. Casey teaches Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, and A.P. Chemistry. In addition, Ms. Casey is co-moderator of Student Council and is on the Tech Committee.
Kniebusch, Rebecca
Currently, Ms. Kniebusch teaches the Integrated Laboratory Science courses.
Pearce, Shannon
A fourth-year teacher at Guerin Prep, Ms. Pearce teaches Honors Physics, Conceptual Physics and Biology. She earned a B.S. from Youngstown State University. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ms. Pearce is the track coach and the junior class moderator.
Reid, David
Mr. Reid has left a career in business management to launch his teaching career at Guerin Prep. He received a master of arts in teaching this August with a specialty in biology. Reid also serves as the head coach of the cross country team, a position he assumed last year.
Sadowski, Mary Ann
A biology teacher in her second year at Guerin Prep, Ms. Sadowski has been teaching or substitute teaching for more than 20 years. She taught for 10 years at Good Counsel High School and three years at Notre Dame for Girls. Before returning to full-time teaching at Guerin Prep, she was a substitute teacher for 10 years. She has a B.S. from De Paul University and has taken graduate classes at the University of Illinois and St. Xavier University, Chicago. Ms. Sadowski is a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers, a member of the National Science Teacher Association and a member of the AT&T Enrich Programs to design technology-based curriculum.
Zawilinski, Juliana
Ms. Zawilinski joined the Guerin faculty in 1987. Currently, she teaches Honors biology, AP Environmental Science, genetics and science seminar. Ms. Zawilinski holds a B.S. in education from DeLourdes College, a M.S. in biology from St. Mary’s University, Winona, MN, along with various individual genetic classes from the University of Illinois, Champaign, and an ecology course from Michigan Technological. Ms. Zawilinski belongs to the National Biology Teachers’ Association and the National Science Teachers’ Association. She also has been associated with the Illinois Junior Academy of Science, conducting regional and state science fairs. She is currently the Paper Session Chairperson for Region 2 of IJAS, which puts her in charge of the paper session for non-public schools in the Chicago area to be held at Wright College in February.
Activities
What makes the Guerin Prep Science Department unique?
Guerin Prep is one of the few schools to offer a full Integrated Lab Science sequence, and it is one of the few schools to offer a full year of Genetics.
Among the awards Guerin Prep science students have earned is the Illinois State Science Fair’s project and paper sessions. A Guerin student won a first place award in 2002. In both 2003 and 2004, a Guerin student was chosen to represent Illinois at the national Water Environmental Conference. Outstanding Guerin Prep students can win a Bausch and Lomb Award and Guerin Prep’s Betty Walscheid Scholarship. Guerin Prep students also compete in the Science Olympiad.
Physical Education Department
Classes
Introduction to Physical Education
Introduction to Dance, Advanced Dance
Fitness/Nutrition
Physical Education/Health, Adaptive P.E.
Fitness/Weight Training
Driver Education
Faculty
Fulara, Eric
Mr. Fulara teaches Introduction to Physical Education and Fitness and Weight Training in addition to his coaching duties.
DiCarlo, Robert
In addition to his duties as football coach, Mr. DeCarlo, will also serve as a physical education teacher at Guerin Prep. He has extensive coaching experience both as a football coach and wrestling coach at St. Laurence High School, Burbank, St. Gregory High School, Chicago, and St. Joseph High School, Westchester. DeCarlo has served as an athletic director and dean of students. During the 2004-2005 season, he was the quarterback coach at Benedictine University, Lisle. He is on schedule to earn a master’s degree in educational administration from Chicago State University.
Susin, Denise (Athletic Director)
In addition to her duties as athletic director, Ms. Susin teaches Introduction to PE, Fitness/Nutrition and PE/Health. In her 28th year as a teacher at Guerin, Ms. Susin holds a B.S. from University of Illinois Chicago. She also is an officer in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference, serving as the recording secretary.
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