Page 19 - Priorities 6

are showing up in class with pearly whites...” Workshops for faculty and students led by experts from Stanford University’s institute for gender equity undoubtedlyhelped. DoraArredondo,inthatfirst co-ed class, recalls that “We (girls) had the feeling they didn’t just expect us to participate, they expected us to excel.” And the girls did, quickly becoming academic leaders, student body officers and competitive athletes.
1992
An advanced-technology, multimedia language lab was developed. It became the cornerstone of the Priory’s authentic language study based around a cultural context. Later additions will make it possible to tailor language lessons individually.
1993
Most local elementary schools moved their sixth grades to middle school. Accordingly, the Priory added a sixth grade class.
A campus renovation began, including a girls locker room and new flooring for the gym, as well as many long-delayed repairs. Trustees and monks began plans graduallytoincreaseenrollmentto250,the maximum allowed by agreement with the Township of Portola Valley. The young ladies, larger student body and campus face-lift gave the feeling of a new beginning.
1994
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges awarded the maximum accreditation of six years. “The Visiting Committee acknowledges the high spirit and vibrancy of the students at Woodside Priory School. The positive benefits of a Benedictine education far surpass the expectations of both students and parents who put their faith and trust in this institution of learning. We recognize the value of a multi-cultural experience made possible by the international character present at Woodside Priory. We commend and admire the students’ honesty,
intellectual curiosity, creativity and diligence
These monks, who now live at St. Anselm, are warmly remembered and much appreciated for the time they devoted to Woodside Priory School: Father Finbar, Brother Thomas, Brother John, Brother Jude, Father Brendan, Father Placidus, Father Cecil, and Father Benedict.
to both achievement and play,” the preface to their report states.
1995
With the help of William and Rosemary Hewlett, a three- year technology upgrade began with a goal of introducing state-of-the-art computing technology, including Internet access, into all curricular and administrative areas. By 1997, when the project was completed, the campus had 120 computers, including a campus network, ISDN Internet access, banks of computers in the science lab, language lab and library as well as the computer lab, a computer in each dormitory study area, plus appropriate peripherals, CDs and software.
1996
Community service as a volunteer tradition dated back 20 years or more. This year, a high school graduation requirement was adopted of 25 hours a year of volunteer experience integrated with social science/theology course work. Students work with seniors, youth, the poor and the institutionalized. The experience will culminate in a reflective paper written in the senior year.
1997-98
The student body includes 100 Middle School and 150 High School students
Five monks and 40 students live on the campus. Faculty number 47.
Tuition and fees are $12,510 for day students and $25,810 for resident students.
Traditions of the past 40 years are apparent today. Faculty-student relationships are still important and fostered. An individual approach to each student’s education is a constant goal. All graduates attend college; nearly all enroll at 4-year schools. About half of those are accepted at colleges with “very restrictive” to “most restrictive” admissions standards. The Priory does not physically resemble that school of 1957, but it remains a “learning community” that includes high academic standards, many kinds of diversity, a sense of security where a person can grow, attention to personal and
moral/spiritual growth, — and fun.
Father William is now Prior of St. Anselm and a Director of WPS.
Brother Edward arrived in 1988
Father William
Father Matthew, originally an affiliate of Woodside Priory,
is now Abbot of St. Anselm and a WPS Trustee.
Father Matthew