Mary McElroy
McGill-Toolen Class of 2011
By Rachel Robertson, Class of 2012
As a small town girl living in Robertsdale, Mary McElroy has always dreamed of living in the big city, and now she finally has her chance. Accepted to Barnard College in New York City, Mary has certainly made McGill-Toolen proud. Her hard work and leadership are exemplified not only through a rigorous course load but through varsity soccer and multiple clubs as well. Lettering in a varsity sport her junior and senior year, Mary has learned what balancing a schedule really means. Her commute to school takes an hour, and her soccer practice and homework often grow overwhelming. She explains that taking on so many responsibilities has taught her how to discover what is important in life: school, soccer, family, and friends. Even with athletics and academics, she always makes time for a social life. She credits McT for her Catholic education that readies her to face any challenge that may arise in the future. Devoted not only to God but to school as well, Mary serves in the Ambassador Club, National Honor Society, Scholars Bowl, Hi-Q Team, and The McGillian newspaper, using her impressive intellect to give back to McGill. She eagerly accepted the challenge of five AP classes her senior year, ultimately graduating with a 4.17 weighted GPA and 32 on the ACT. Becoming a National Merit Commended Student and voted Ideal Graduate of McT, Mary became the desired student of every college; she received an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy, was accepted to the Honors Program at Boston College, and was accepted to Fordham University where she was offered the Dean’s Honor Scholarship. Despite all of her options, Mary was most attracted to Barnard College, where she will attend this upcoming fall majoring in environmental biology.
AEP Courses
ADAPTIVE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The Adaptive Education Program is offered to provide support services for students with
learning challenges. The program is designed to assist students with special learning needs to reach their full potential. Once test data and records are on file, eligibility and placement determination will be made after consultation with a guidance counselor. Placement is generally considered to be contractual for the academic year. Placement for the following year will be reassessed each school year prior to the re-registration process.
RESOURCE CLASS - 1 credit To be considered for the Resource Class: READING WORKSHOP I - 1 credit 1. Decoding written language through word attack skills as needed In addition, the class will emphasize the structure of written language to help students become truly literate. Standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, and previous academic performance in reading will be considered for placement of students in this class. This course may be required for students whose standardized reading test scores indicate an identified need. READING WORKSHOP II - 1 Credit
This class is designed to provide support services to students who have been identified (through psychological and academic testing) as having a learning disability. Students receive help in a variety of study skills to enhance their academic performance in the regular classroom. In addition, tutorial assistance in various subject areas is also available during class as time permits. Periodic communication is maintained with parents and classroom teachers of Resource students. Students who qualify attend the Resource Class on a daily basis for credit. $800.00 additional tuition per student is assessed.
This class will utilize a multi-sensory approach to reading geared toward high school students. The content of the class is designed to enhance reading skills for incoming freshmen or upperclassmen.
2. Vocabulary development to understand the meaning of written materials
3. Reading comprehension skills
4. Application of reading skills to practical situations
5. Basic sight word vocabulary for automatic recognition as needed
