Natural and Mathematical Sciences Division
Encompasses
+Math
+Science
+Physical Education
+Business
Dean of Natural and Mathematical Sciences: Mary Mansavage
Math Department
Classes
Pre-Algebra, Algebra I and II, Algebra II-H
General Geometry, Geometry, Geometry-H, Freshmen Geometry-H
Topics in Algebra I, II
Mathematics for the Liberal Arts
Trigonometry
College Algebra
Finite Math-H
Pre-Calculus-H, AP Calculus-HH
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 received a master's in techonology from Walden University. Ms. Mager teaches geometry, pre-calculus and AP calculus. In addition to her classes, she is co-moderator of the junior class, coordinator of the Kairos Retrea, and is a member of the Student Life Committee.
Mansavage, Mary
As the dean of the Math and Natural Sciences Division, Mrs. Mansavage oversees the math, science, physical education and business departments. She holds a master's degree in mathematics from Northwestern University. In addition to her duties as dean, she teaches Finite Math, Trigonometry, and Math for the Liberal Arts. Teaching at Guerin since 1993, she is also an adjunct faculty member for St. Mary's College in Winona, Wisconsin, and teaches Guerin's PACC course, Finite Math.
Meo, Melinda
Ms. Meo began teaching at Guerin in the math department in 1984. She has a bachelor of arts degree in education with a concentration in math and science from National Lewis University and a master of arts degree in teacher leadership from North Park University. During her years at Guerin, Ms. Meo has taught many of the courses in the math department and she currently teaches Pre-Algebra and General Geometry.
Ms. Meo is the moderator of the LEAD peer tutoring program that operates through the Welch Center. Ms. Meo is a member of the Sullivan Program, and she teaches the math section of the Freshmen Experience at Guerin during the summer.
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.
At Guerin Prep, he serves as the director of technology, as well as teaching math.
Pansino, Marie
Ms. Pansino has been at Guerin since 1986. She received her B.A from Concordia University and is currently working on an M.A.M.Ed fromt DePaul University. She currently teaches Algebra 2, Algebra 2 Honors and Trigonometry.
Beth Stachura
Ms. Stachura began teaching at Guerin Prep during the 2006-2007 school year. She has taught Algebra, Geometry and College Algebra/Trig since starting here. She is currently working on her master's in Mathematics Education from DePaul University. Along with teaching at Guerin, Ms. Stachura moderates the dance team.
Smreczynski, Elizabeth
Ms. Smreczynski is a former teacher at Queen of Peace High, Ms. Smreczaynski joined the Guerin Prep staff in 2008, and is currently teaching mathematics. She has a B.S in Mathematics with a minor in education from Saint Xavier University. She teaches Algebra 1, Topics in Algebra 1 and 2.
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
Green, Marcus
Mr. Green is a new addition to the Guerin Prep community. Currently, he teaches Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Conceptual Chemistry. He attended the University of Kansas School of Medicine from 1998-2001 as well as Jackson State University receiving a bachelor of science. He has been inducted into the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Medical Student's Association (AMSA), and the Beta Kappa Chi National Scientific Honor Society. He also will be coaching the freshman boys basketball team at Guerin Prep.
Kniebusch, Rebecca
Currently, Ms. Kniebusch teaches the Integrated Laboratory Science courses.
Pearce, Shannon
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. She also works with SADD, Students Against Destructive Decisions, and is a member of the Student Life Council.
Zawilinski, Juliana
Ms. Zawilinski joined the Guerin faculty in 1987. Currently, she teaches Honors biology, Environmental Science and Forensics. 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. She also has been associated with the Illinois Junior Academy of Science, conducting regional science fairs. She is currently the Paper Session Co-Chairperson for Region 2 of IJAS, which puts her in charge of the paper session for non-public schools in the Chicago area. This year that session will be held at Guerin Prep.
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
Damato, Andy
A ’06 graduate of Aurora University with a B.S. in Recreation Administration, Damato is Guerin Prep’s newest physical education teacher. Prior to coming to Guerin Prep, Damato worked for the CDW Corporation and the Fox Valley Park District, where he managed the general operations of the Activity Center.
At Guerin Prep, Damato is serving as the head coach for the freshman football team. He gained his football coaching experience at Marmion Academy where he was the assistant football coach from 2002 to 2006.
Susin, Denise (Athletic Director)
Ms. Denise Susan started at Guerin Prep in the fall of 1977. 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 is a member of GCAC Hall of Fame and will be inducted into the USSSA Softball Hall of Fame in Rockford in November. Ms. Susan coaches volleyball, basketball, and softball. She was honored during Homecoming this year for her long-time career as an outstanding educator and coach. Her coaching jacket was framed and will be displayed proudly in the school.
Business
Classes
Introduction to Computer
Beginning Accounting
Beginning Marketing
Faculty
Danan, Earl (Assistant to the Dean of Students)
jMr. Danan is a new addition to the Guerin Prep community with the 2009-2010 school year but has more than 16 years of experience in education. He attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and received a M.Ed in Special Education. He also attended Northeastern Illinois University and received a B.A in Special Education/PE.
He is certified in First Aid/CPR/AED and in Crisis Prevention Intervention. He currently teaches Introduction to Computer, Beginning Accounting and Beginning Marketing. He also will coach Cross Country and Wrestling. |
