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OP E N

2014

BELEN

2 0 1 5 Belen Jesuit
PreParatory school Open HOuse 2013 - 2014

500 SW 127 AVENUE | MIAMI, FL | WWW.BELENJESUIT.ORG

H O U S E

J E S U I T

BELEN JESUIT
PREPARATORY SCHOOL

OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 5, 2013


Pedro A. Suarez, S.J., Ph.D., President Mara Cristina Reyes-Garca, J.D., Principal Carola Calderin, Chief Administrative Officer Pedro Cartaya, S.J., Ph.D., School Chaplain Charles Cleveland, Dean of Discipline Adabel Diaz-Rivera, Ph.D., Director of Curriculum & Instruction Luis Dulzaides, Dean of Activities Lucila Marazita-Espinosa, Ed.D., Assistant Principal for High School Jorge L. Rojas, S.J., Assistant Principal for Middle School Carol Ann Vila, Director of Technology Brian Wentzel, Psy.D., Director of Admissions

Dear parents and friends, Welcome to Belen Jesuits Open House! We wish you a pleasant and informative visit. Please, feel free to ask our staff and students any questions you might have. They will be more than happy to answer your questions and give you a glimpse of what Belen is all about. Our school has a long tradition that started in Miami, Florida in 1961 and in Havana, Cuba in 1854. We have formed young men for many generations in the tradition of St. Ignatius of Loyola who taught us to seek God in all things and become men for others, concerned and caring human beings committed to their faith, with a keen sense of justice and who live according to the highest ethical principles. Belens motto Docete omnes gentes (Teach all the people) indicates our openness to reach out to talented youth who are willing to learn, regardless of race, nationality, social status or religious preference. We thank you for considering Belen as the school for your son(s). I look forward to welcoming you to the Belen family and to share with you our vision of a rewarding and grace-filled educational experience. Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Pedro A. Suarez, S.J., Ph.D. President

Dear guests, We want to extend a warm welcome to all of you who are visiting our school throughout the day. I also thank every family for taking the time to explore our program and the opportunities we offer to enrich your sons lives intellectually and spiritually. For 160 years, Belen has committed itself to provide students with an excellent education while instilling the core values and principles of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Today, we hope to share with you the characteristics of our Jesuit education that differentiates our students experiences from all other and that have been a testament of excellence and success. Please make yourselves at home and take advantage of this opportunity. We are eager to answer your questions, clarify your concerns, showcase our campus, and present our college preparatory curriculum geared for a diverse population of multiple talents and interests. Once again, thank you for considering our school as a possible choice for your sons future. We are humbled and honored with your presence, and we hope to greet you again at the start of our next academic year. Sincerely,

Mara Cristina Reyes-Garca, J.D. Principal

Dear prospective student and parents, Welcome to the Belen Jesuit Preparatory School Open House! Todays program includes a student-led tour of our campus, a presentation outlining our academic and campus ministry programs and a chance to acquaint yourselves with the many athletic and club opportunities offered to students. I encourage you to stop and ask the students in the blue blazers any questions about their experiences at Belen Jesuit. These fine young men are the true ambassadors of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and represent what this school is all about. For decades we have been able to boast about our 100% college acceptance rate. Our curriculum is designed to prepare the student for the rigors of college. As our alumni can attest, Belen Jesuits academic program makes the transition from high school to college much easier. Additionally, we offer many Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses which allow the student to earn college credit while in high school. As such, the academic experience of a Belen student is challenging. It is the goal of the Admissions Committee to select those students who are open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice. One of the hallmarks of being a Belen Jesuit graduate is the inclusion into the unique band of brothers, which ties the graduate to a network of Jesuit alumni all over the world, in all walks of life, for life. It is my hope that you too will be a part of the band of brothers! Sincerely,

Brian J. Wentzel, Psy.D. Director of Admissions

table of contents

mission statement 6 the school 7 admissions policy & criteria 8 entrance exam 9 tuition & fees 10 academics & advanced placement 11 student council & clubs 12 honor societies & athletics 13 campus ministry 14 school counseling 17 college counseling 18 graduate at graduation 19 development 21 technology 22 ramon guiteras memorial library 23 facilities 24 departmental highlights 26 did you know? 35

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mission statement
CORE VALUES Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: to work as a community for the greater glory of God Magis: to strive to do more in sharing the Gospel values, learning, and serving Cura Personalis: to care for the entire person CORE PURPOSE To educate in the Jesuit tradition MISSION STATEMENT Following the Ignatian tradition of excellence, the mission of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is to guide and support our students in their process of becoming men who are proficient in both English and Spanish, open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice, so they can work as leaders for the defense of faith and the promotion of justice in a multicultural society. JESUIT EDUCATION The Society of Jesus is the largest Roman Catholic religious order, founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola in 1540. The objective of the order is to study, in the manner of the Spiritual Exercises, what Christ would have done if He were living in our circumstances, and to carry out that ideal; hence, the motto of the Society, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam. Many religious orders distinguished themselves as educators before the Jesuits; but the Society was the first order which enjoined by its very Constitutions, devotion to the cause of education. It was, in this sense, the first teaching order. The ideal of Jesuit education is the well-rounded person who is intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, and committed to doing justice in generous service to the people of God. The society aims to form leaders in service, in imitation of Jesus Christ, men and women of competence, conscience and compassionate commitment. Today, there are 177 Jesuit universities and 356 Jesuit high schools worldwide.

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the school
THE SCHOOL Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the school property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami that same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, the school sits on a 33.7-acre site in western Miami-Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami. Students enjoy the rich cultural diversity of a major metropolitan community as well as Miamis beautiful weather and beaches. Since its inception, over 6,300 young men have graduated from Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. We are a college preparatory institution, with 100% of our graduates advancing to post-secondary education. Belen Jesuit was named for the seventh consecutive year one of the Top 50 U.S. Catholic High Schools by the National Catholic High School Honor Roll. ACCREDITATION Belen Jesuit Preparatory School is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The School is also affiliated with the National Catholic Educational Association and is a member of the Jesuit Secondary Education Association and Jesuit High School College Counselors Association. QUICK FACTS Established: 1854 Religious Affiliation: Catholic Students: 1,488 Grades: 6-12 Mascot: Wolverine Motto: Men for Others

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admissions policy & criteria


ADMISSIONS POLICY Belen Jesuit admits students regardless of race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin. As a Catholic college preparatory school in the Jesuit tradition, Belen Jesuit actively seeks a student body that represents broad and diverse abilities, talents, backgrounds, and interests. ADMISSIONS CRITERIA Admission to Belen Jesuit is selective. Admission is based upon the following criteria: Application Entrance examination score Current school record Interview in certain situations HOW TO APPLY All applicants must complete our online application for admissions (belenjesuit.org/applyonline) and take the Belen Jesuit entrance exam. The application process begins in the fall. The application fee of $75.00 includes the cost of test administration and lunch.
For additional information or questions regarding the admissions process, visit www.belenjesuit.org, contact the admissions office at 786.621.4032 or admissions@belenjesuit.org.

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entrance exam
ENTRANCE EXAM Entrance Exam Dates Saturday December 7, 2013 (For Grades 6, 7, and 8 ONLY) Saturday February 1, 2014 (For Grade 9 ONLY)
Time Starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. Ends at approximately 2:00 p.m. The examination tests Reading comprehension Language arts skills Mathematics Fee: $75.00 which is paid online upon submission of the online application. Pre-registration for the exam is required and can be completed online at belenjesuit.org/applyonline. Exam confirmations are mailed out one week prior to the exam. Students can only take the exam once.

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tuition & fees


TUITION AND FEES 2013-2014 School Year Tuition: $13,500.00 iPad Miscellaneous Fees: $200.00 Activities Fee: $570.00 Registration Fee: $350.00 (Non-refundable)
2014-2015 School Year TBA An all-you-can-eat lunch is included in the tuition. The activities fee covers: standardized testing, student identification cards, computer lab fees, science lab fees, technology fees, yearbooks, and student accident insurance. Additional expenses include an iPad, digital textbooks and uniforms.

FINANCIAL AID It is our goal to provide every deserving student, regardless of circumstances, a Belen Jesuit education. Last year, Belen Jesuit provided over $1.8 million in financial aid to 26% of its students. Financial Aid is available to all students who qualify and is based strictly on need. Belen Jesuit does not award academic or athletic scholarships.
In order to apply for financial aid, students must have already been admitted and registered. Families must request a financial aid application. Applications will be available as of February 1, 2014. The deadline to submit an application for financial aid is April 30, 2014. For more information on financial aid, contact Mrs. Ana Manrara at amanrara@belenjesuit.org or 786.621.4110.

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academics
ACADEMICS A full course catalogue by department can be viewed on our website at www.belenjesuit.org. Middle School Requirements High School Requirements English 4.0 credits English 4.0 credits Intro to Computers 0.5 credit Humanities 1.5 credits Humanities 1.0 credit Mathematics 4.0 credits Mathematics 3.0 credits Physical Education 1.0 credit Physical Education 1.5 credits Science 3.0 credits Science 3.0 credits Spanish 2.0 credits Spanish 3.5 credits Social Studies 4.5 credits Social Studies 1.5 credits Theology 4.0 credits Theology 3.0 credits Electives 4.0 credits HONORS COURSES English 7-9, American Literature, British Literature, World Literature, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Computer Science, Life Science, Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy & Physiology, Civics, World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Latin American History, Philosophy, Spanish 6-10, Ignatian Spirituality. ADVANCED PLACEMENT Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government & Politics, Computer Science, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, Human Geography, Physics C, Psychology, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Statistics, Studio Art, U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History, World History.

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student council & clubs


STUDENT COUNCIL The Belen Jesuit Student Council demonstrates extraordinary leadership, dedication, and commitment to campus life. The councils main priorities are planning and funding major school events, providing hospitality for school functions, donating financial and physical resources to various schoolwide projects, and providing leadership opportunities for the entire school community. CLUBS
ALPHA Amnesty International Astronomy Athletes for Charity Aviation Club Beacons for the Blind Belen Cangrejos Best Buddies BioMedical Engineering Bishop San Pedro Spanish Club Business Club Chess Team Coffeehouse Diabetes Awareness Club Entrepreneurship Club Fencing Club Film Production Club Fishing Club Forensics French Club Future Doctors of America Habitat for Humanity History Knowledge Team Green Club Italian Club Key Club Law Club Matteo Ricci China Club Model United Nations Music Appreciation Society NOTE.ables & Vocatones Operation Smile Photography Club Portuguese Club Psychology Club RC Club Respect Life Robotics S.O.W.--Servants of the Word Sailing Club Spanish State Team Statistical Analysis Club Student Council

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honor societies & athletics


HONOR SOCIETIES National English Honor Society National Honor Society National Junior Honor Society National Senior Beta Club National Junior Beta Club National Spanish Honor Society National Art Honor Society SPORTS BY SEASON Fall Basketball
6th Grade Bowling Varsity Cross Country 6th Grade, MS, Varsity Crew Club Football 6th Grade, MS, JV, Varsity Golf MS, JV, Varsity Swimming MS, Varsity Volleyball MS

Mu Alpha Theta Science National Honor Society Social Studies Honor Society Quill and Scroll Tri-M Music Honor Society National Forensic League International Thespian Society Spring Baseball MS, Freshmen, JV, Varsity Crew Club Track & Field 6th Grade, JV, Varsity Tennis MS, Varsity Lacrosse JV, Varsity Volleyball JV, Varsity Water Polo MS, Varsity

Winter Baseball 6th Grade Basketball MS, Freshmen, JV, Varsity Soccer 6th Grade, MS, JV, Varsity Wrestling Varsity

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campus ministry
CAMPUS MINISTRY - DR. JOSEFINA CHIRINO, MIN.D. The Office of Campus Ministry at Belen Jesuit seeks to implement ministry closely aligned with the mission of the Society of Jesus and the school. The approach to ministry is one that is deeply rooted in Christ and inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
General Congregation 35 describes our contemporary world as one of rapid cultural change, often accompanied by an interior emptiness, as well as a new interest in popular religiosity, a renewed search for meaning, and a thirst for a spiritual experience, often sought outside of religion. (GC 35, III, 21) Our students have been called into this world, and we find that they are indeed searching for meaning and for experiences that sustain their longing for wholeness. They are, in fact, journeying through this world in order to find their place in this complex society. We hope to walk with them, enhancing their generosity, and awakening their compassion, so that in the midst of the activity of their lives, they may be able to trace the footprints of God everywhere. (GC 35, II, 9) We offer our students different activities which are carefully prepared and carried through with only one goal in mind: to instill in them the desire to be like Christ and follow Him (Rom 8, 29) and to accompany them in their process of becoming responsible Christian men witnessing in their own lives their commitment to Jesus Christ through service to others. CHRISTIAN LIFE COMMUNITIES One way for lay people to live the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola is by participating in a Christian Life Community. The Christian Life Community, or CLC, is a world-wide association of men, women, and young adults who want to know Christ better in order to follow him more closely. At Belen, all students are invited to participate in these communities which are grouped according to their grade level. With an adult guide, they meet weekly during a special extended homeroom on Tuesdays in order to share life, faith and mission.

COMMUNITY SERVICE The mission of the Society of Jesus, the service of the faith and the promotion of justice, point directly at the questions that St. Ignatius poses in the Spiritual Exercises: What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? PAGE | 14

campus ministry
What will I do for Christ? Our response is to serve Christ wherever He may be found, especially in our brothers and sisters who are poor, aged, disabled, ill, in prison, or in any way afflicted. Christs mission is directed to human beings. Faith and justice; it is never one without the other. Human beings need food, shelter, love, companionship, truth, meaning, promise, hope. (GC 35, II, 13) Our students, men for and with others, need to respond to the pressing needs of our world in love and service, knowing themselves to be the recipients of grace upon grace (Jn. 1, 16) from Gods unimaginable love. Our service program offers our students the opportunity to grow in their faith, to become men of virtue, men for and with others, knowing that volunteer work with and for the poor helps young people to live in solidarity with others and find meaning in and direction for their lives. (GC 35, III, 23) Service to others should become the habit of a graduate of a Jesuit school.

WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL LIFE Our life in Christ is sustained and nourished through our communal participation in the Eucharist. This is the summit of Christian life, from which all graces flow. Our students are encouraged to partake of the Eucharist as often as possible, and to this end, Belen offers the following opportunities: Daily Eucharist at 7:15 a.m. and during Homeroom (two homerooms are assigned to go, yet any student who feels this devotion is not only allowed to go to Mass, but encouraged). School-wide masses on holidays and special liturgical feasts, for example, the Mass of the Holy Spirit to begin our school year, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Feast of Our Lady of Belen, Thanksgiving, Ash Wednesday, the Feast of St. Joseph the Worker, and others.
Knowing that recognizing ourselves as saved sinners is also essential for our life in Christ, our students are encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Campus Ministry prepares Reconciliation Services for the different grade levels or classes during Advent and Lent. We engage our students in traditional Catholic devotions, such as the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration and the Stations of the Cross, during appropriate liturgical times. Belen students may also benefit from the guidance of their Spiritual Counselor who is assigned according to grade level.

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campus ministry
RETREATS One of the goals of Jesuit education is to help young men deepen their religious dimension and make a meaningful choice towards faith and the service of justice. Accordingly, by the time a student reaches graduation, the Belen student will have examined his religious beliefs and chosen a fundamental orientation toward God in consonance with a religious tradition or community. Campus Ministry offers a variety of retreat experiences which help our students grow in their faith and commitment to God. Days of Reflection are offered to all students in grades 6th - 8th. Every Belen student in grade 6 to 8 is expected to participate in one day of reflection each year. The Hurtado Experience is a day-long activity offered to all 9th graders that incorporates service and subsequent reflection. Sophomores are invited to participate in the Cardoner Experience, an overnight retreat intended to nurture spiritual renewal and an encounter with God, providing students an opportunity to reflect on their relationship with the natural environment. Kairos is a voluntary overnight retreat offered to all Juniors and selected Sophomores. Seniors are invited to St. Ignatius Loyolas Spiritual Exercises, a retreat for people who seek to find Gods presence and will in their lives. It is in absolute silence and offered to mature young men. Seniors also participate in their Senior Encounter and in other retreat experiences designed for them. BELEN YOUTH MISSIONS During the summer, many Belen students and alumni participate in mission trips to poverty stricken areas of the Dominican Republic to work alongside the local people of the countryside. Our boys have helped construct aqueducts, school houses, chapels, and bridges. Several doctors and nurses participate in the mission trip and setup and operate a makeshift clinic. The summer mission trip to the Dominican Republic usually takes place during the last week of June and first week of July. The experience is open to juniors, seniors and alumni.

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school counseling
SCHOOL COUNSELING - MS. TERESA GUTIERREZ The School Counseling Department at Belen Jesuit practices ethical and professional standards in the implementation of a developmental, resultsbased school counseling program that promotes Jesuit values and student success. The departments goal is to provide care for each individual student (cura personalis). This approach assumes that every student is unique.
The school counselors work with students for the purpose of enacting positive changes in the areas of educational, social, emotional, and/or behavioral functioning. The counselors employ various methods including individual counseling, small group counseling, family conferences, consultations with teachers, administrators and other school staff, classroom presentations, referrals to outside professionals and special events and projects. Each grade level has a counselor who stays with his/her students for several years. This model helps solidify a strong relationship between the student, his family and the counselor. The counselor implements a curriculum that is developmental, flexible and responsive to the specific trends and needs of his or her assigned grade level. Through this process there is an emphasis on character and value formation, decision-making skills, and personal awareness. The Counseling Department strives to strengthen our students emotional skills to make them more adaptable and successful in attaining their future goals. In addition, the counselors provide crisis counseling or responsive services when needed in order to help students overcome any obstacles that may interfere with their personal well-being and academic success.

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college counseling
COLLEGE COUNSELING - MS. LISA PETERSON The college application process is a major focus of a Belen Jesuit high school student. The goal of our College Counseling Office is to assist students in the college search and application process. The college search begins during freshman year when students are encouraged to begin researching colleges and determining their admission criteria and requirements. During freshman year, our students have the opportunity to take the PSAT in order to get them better acquainted with the SAT. The college search continues during sophomore year when students are encouraged to continue their research as well as visit college campuses. Sophomores are also given the opportunity to take the PSAT and the PLAN. By junior year, students should have a general idea of colleges that meet their needs and interests. During junior year, the students begin to meet with their college counselor on an individual basis. Juniors are also given the opportunity to take the PSAT at Belen. The junior year PSAT is used to determine National Merit Scholar qualification. Juniors should take the ACT and SAT in the spring semester of their junior year. By senior year, the students should have their finalized list of the colleges they plan on applying to. The college counselors assist our students in completing their applications, revising their essays, creating resumes, applying for scholarships and much more. We are proud to note that each year 100% of our students matriculate in college with 98% of our students matriculating in four-year colleges and many of them enrolling at some of the nations top universities.
2012-2013 STATISTICS: Belen Jesuit had one National Merit Finalist. The Class of 2013 was comprised of 201 students Average Weighted GPA: 3.6 Average Unweighted GPA: 3.3 Dollar amount of scholarships reported by our seniors: over 11 million dollars.

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graduate at graduation
GRADUATE AT GRADUATION Belen Jesuit strives to prepare its graduates to be: OPEN TO GROWTH The Jesuit high school student at the time of graduation has matured as a person emotionally, intellectually, physically, socially, religiously to a level that reflects some intentional responsibility for ones own growth (as opposed to a passive, drifting, laissez-faire attitude about growth). The graduate is at least beginning to reach out in his development, seeking opportunities to stretch the mind, imagination, feelings, and religious consciousness. INTELLECTUALLY COMPETENT By graduation the Jesuit high school student will exhibit a mastery of those academic requirements for advanced forms of education. While these requirements are broken down into departmental subject matter areas, the student will have developed many intellectual skills and understandings, which cut across and go beyond academic requirements for college entrance. The student, moreover, is beginning to see the need for intellectual integrity in his personal quest for religious truth and in his response to issues of social justice. RELIGIOUS By graduation the Jesuit high school student will have a basic knowledge of the major doctrines and practices of the Catholic Church. The graduate will also have examined his or her own religious feelings and beliefs with a view to choosing a fundamental orientation toward God and establishing a relationship with a religious tradition and/or community. What is said here, respectful of the conscience and religious background of the individual, also applies to the non-Catholic graduate of a Jesuit high school. The level of theological understanding of the Jesuit high school graduate will naturally be limited by the students level of religious and human development.

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graduate at graduation
LOVING By the time of graduation, the Jesuit high school student is well on the way to establishing his or her own identity. The graduate is also on the threshold of being able to move beyond self-interest or self-centeredness in relationships with significant others. In other words, he is beginning to be able to risk some deeper levels of relationship in which one can disclose self and accept the mystery of another person and cherish that person. COMMITTED TO DOING JUSTICE The Jesuit high school student at graduation has achieved considerable knowledge of the many needs of local and wider communities and is preparing for the day when he or she will take a place in these communities as a competent, concerned and responsible member. The graduate has begun to acquire the skills and motivation necessary to live as a person for others. Although this attribute will come to fruition in mature adulthood, some predispositions will have begun to manifest themselves earlier.

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development
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT - MR. THOMAS DE QUESADA Since our doors first opened in 1854, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School has called upon the generosity of others to help advance its institutional goals and objectives in support of our mission. Although our particular needs vary from year to year, the school depends on our parents ongoing spirit of giving to be able to continue offering a quality education in the Jesuit tradition. We also solicit annual contributions from our alumni, businesses, foundations, and other friends of the school.
Tax-deductible donations to Belen Jesuit enable us to meet the ever-changing needs of preparing young men for college in the 21st century, as we challenge them to become leaders and live as men of conscience, compassion, and action. When you make a gift to our Annual Fund, Financial Aid program, or towards a specific project, your gift will help continue to: keep tuition costs competitive by filling the gap between tuition revenues and the schools operating expenses, maintain and improve the quality of facilities and classroom resources, offer financial assistance to deserving students who would otherwise not be able to attend Belen Jesuit, and grow our endowment in order to seize future educational and extracurricular opportunities. If you have any questions about making a gift to Belen Jesuit, please contact our Development Office by e-mail at development@belenjesuit.org or by phone at 786.621.4665.

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technology
TECHNOLOGY - MS. CAROL ANN VILA Belen Jesuit launched a one-to-one iPad program at the beginning of 20122013 after a year of planning and extensive professional development for the faculty. We felt that it was the right time to move forward, integrating an interactive technology into the teaching and learning process, where students can learn while being connected to the world, using the best resources available in order to ensure the best education possible. We are using digital textbooks and materials for all classes. Our students are enjoying their digital textbooks, many of which are interactive and have videos, manipulatives and slide shows imbedded in them. Staff development is ongoing and the teachers are engaging their students in Project and Challenge Based Learning. Some classes are using the flipped classroom approach. We have a full-time Educational Technologist on staff to assist our teachers in integrating this mobile technology into the curriculum.
At the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year Haiku, our new online Learning Management System (LMS), was launched. Our students utilize Haiku LMS to experience 21st century learning at Belen Jesuit. Haiku LMS is a secure, learning management system that emphasizes content, creativity, and community. It extends the borders of the classroom into the home and community, while providing a safe and secure environment to support learning. Students find homework, assignments, information, articles, websites, discussions, and other forms of online learning set up by their teachers on Haiku. The Belen Jesuit iPad Program benefits our students in the following ways: Student Access to real-time information 24 / 7 Alleviating the textbook load and heavy bags by adopting e-books and/or re-designing the curriculum without traditional textbooks Increased motivation and enthusiasm for student learning Facilitating creativity in learning Better student engagement in the learning process move from passive to active learning

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ramon guiteras memorial library


LIBRARY - MS. MARTA COSCULLUELA The Ramon Guiteras Memorial Library at Belen Jesuit was established in 1962 by a trust established by the Guiteras Family. The library serves as a resource and cultural center for both the Belen students and community at large. The Ramon Guiteras Memorial Library houses a collection of over 35,000 books, over 80,000 e-Books, hundreds of DVDs as well as current subscriptions to popular and scholarly journals and local and national newspapers. Books written in Spanish are available in all subjects including fiction. Our resources are easily accessible through our online catalog with entries under author, title, subject, and keywords.
The 23 computers with Internet access and electronic databases offer library patrons the latest sources of information for academic and research purposes. Please visit our databases page to see a list of links to our online subscriptions. The Coleccin Cubana features a wealth of information about Cuba. You will find books about Cuba and books written by Cuban authors, both in English and Spanish. You can find turn of the century rare books and the most recently published books on this special topic. The library also supports the curriculum of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School and provides resources and guidance to Belen students, faculty and staff in the area of research and information retrieval skills. Library hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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facilities
MIGUEL B. FERNANDEZ & FAMILY MAIN BUILDING The Miguel B. Fernandez and Family Main Building is the cornerstone of the Belen Jesuit Preparatory school campus. It was the first structure built on our current campus in 1981. The main building houses over four dozen classrooms which include the Vincam Group Wing, the schools chapel, Communication Arts & Multimedia Center, Garrido Family Plaza, Cafeteria, Carlos M. Baraano Technology Center, Observatory, Faculty Lounge, department chairpersons offices, school store, student activities office, school counseling center, college counseling center and main office. COMMUNICATION ARTS & MULTIMEDIA CENTER The Multimedia Center houses the schools desktop publishing lab which produces three print publications: Echoes, Ateneo, and Vincam. The students produce these publications using the latest hardware and software for graphic design. The largest portion of this facility is a professional, state of the art television studio that is used by the television production class to broadcast daily news, weather, and sports to the entire community. The center also includes a control room, two editing suites, and an audio booth to support the broadcasting and cinematography aspects of the program, and has the potential for radio broadcasting as well. In addition, the Multimedia Center includes a classroom for the Public Speaking and introductory courses relevant to communications. IGNATIAN CENTER FOR THE ARTS The Ignatian Center for the Arts is located on the north side of our campus. It consists of the Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Theater with a seating capacity of 662 patrons, Olga & Carlos Saladrigas Art Gallery, 7 classrooms, a music rehearsal hall and the theaters administrative office. The seven classrooms are used for the Humanities Department classes which include Art History, 2D Art and 3D Art, Drama, Band, Music, Philosophy.

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facilities
RAUL AND NIDIA RODRIGUEZ SCIENCE PAVILION The Science Pavilion includes a biology lab, a chemistry lab, a physics lab, and an earth and space science lab. Additionally, there are 3 middleschool science classrooms. A beautiful mural along with eight display cases decorate the Science Pavilion lobby. BELEN JESUIT OBSERVATORY FOR ASTRONOMY & METEOROLOGY Continuing a tradition of over 140 years, the Belen Observatory is at the service of its students and the Miami community. Belen Jesuit is the only school in the United States equipped with a 16 inch telescope with a CCD camera for astrophotography. Weather forecasts are radioed daily to various cities in Florida. The observatory was made possible by donations from the Belen Jesuit Class of 1972. ROBERTO C. GOIZUETA ATHLETIC CENTER The Roberto Goizueta Athletic Center is the home of Belen Jesuits Athletic Department. The building houses two classrooms, the athletic department office, a weight room, four locker rooms, a training room, and a beautiful lobby. The gymnasium has two full length basketball courts and two full length volleyball courts. ATHLETIC FACILITIES The outdoor athletic facilities have been redesigned and include the de la Cruz stadium (track, football & soccer field), a baseball complex, tennis courts, outdoor basketball courts and Zumpano pool. The stadium contains elevated seating for 1,000 fans and is equipped with a coaches box, sound system, and a large electronic score board. Our baseball complex is composed of two fields. The tennis facility is comprised of five tennis courts with a center court, and an outdoor pavilion for spectators. Adjacent to the tennis facility are the two outdoor basketball courts. A new cross country course has been completed composed of grass, gravel and woodchips that loops around the entire school. The northwest lot is being transformed into a practice turf field thanks to the generosity of the Hernandez Family.

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english department
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT - MS. MARIA D. ALONSO Through seven years of required courses, Belens English Department aims to guide students to become perceptive readers, persuasive and articulate writers, effective speakers and discerning critical thinkers. Students study writing from the basics of grammar and composition to the completion of extensive MLA research papers, essays, and creative compositions. Literature is first seen in a genre-based approach. Starting in tenth grade, we teach the great traditions through historical/critical survey courses: American, British, and World Literatures. Through the study of classical and contemporary literature, the English department seeks to increase the students social and ethical awareness. It also seeks to instill in our students an appreciation for the beauty and the power of the written word that will result in the improvement of their own writing. Following the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm the teachers present the literature in a way that sheds light on what it means to be a human being. Through class discussions of literary works, we provide the students with a forum in which to react to the concepts explored in the literature and express their own concerns about the human condition.
Our Honors program begins in seventh grade and continues throughout high school. It includes both Advanced Placement English courses: AP English Language in tenth grade, and AP English Literature in twelfth. Through our extensive electives offerings, we expose students to the areas of New Media, Public Relations, Marketing, Film, Public Speaking, Broadcast and Print Journalism. Exposure to these fields enhances the education of the total person. For high school students the following electives are available: Creative Writing; Public Speaking; Introduction to Broadcast Media; Broadcast Production 1 & 2; Introduction to Digital Media; Digital Media Production 1 & 2; Introduction to Print and Multimedia; Print and Multimedia Production 1 & 2; Film Production 1 & 2; and History and Social Impact of Film.

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english department
With a state of the art professional studio and news room, the Communication and Multi Media Center further enhances and supports Belens goal to educate young men who effectively communicate in a bilingual environment, both orally and in writing. The English Department facilitates the production of the three award winning school print publications: Vincam, Ateneo, and Echoes; the Emmy Award winning daily news show that is broadcast through Belen TV; and a series of student made films and documentaries throughout the year. The faculty instills in the students service to others in the form of films, news, speeches, and communication skills as well as a better appreciation for the beauty of the world around us.

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mathematics department
MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT - MR. JOSE E. ROCA Belen Jesuit requires seven years of Mathematics, three at the middle school and four at the high school level. Beginning with the Cass of 2017, all students will be one year accelerated with the possibility of taking Calculus by senior year. Students graduate with a strong mathematics background and are prepared to study higher-level mathematics in college. Belen Jesuit offers an Honors Program for high achieving students. The Honors Program begins in seventh grade with Pre-Algebra and culminates in twelfth grade with Advanced Placement Calculus. Mathematics Department teachers have an average of 18 years of experience. All faculty members offer extra help for their students during office hours. The use of technology, specifically the graphing calculator and math-specific software and Apps, is emphasized throughout the curriculum.
Our Computer Science branch acknowledges the changing complexion of computer education and adjusts its curriculum regularly to adapt to these changes. Motivated by these considerations, a great effort is made by the department to foster and promote an integrated and interdisciplinary curriculum. The Computer Science curriculum includes a required half credit course in 6th gradeIntroduction to Computers. For high school students the following electives are available: Introduction to Computer Programming, Honors Computer Science, AP Computer Science, Web Page Design. The ethical and responsible use of technology is emphasized in all computer science courses. The department also assumes its part in the development of future leaders by emphasizing the importance of quantitative analysis of data in forecasting and decision-making.

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mathematics department
Four advanced placement courses are offered: AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, and AP Computer Science. Advanced Placement Calculus: Over 800 students have taken the AP Calculus AB or BC exam since May 2000. Advanced Placement Statistics: Over 225 students have taken the AP Statistics exam since May 2003. The Department moderates the National High School and Junior College Mathematics Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta. Peer tutoring is organized through the honor society and members compete at local competitions. Computer Science students compete in multiple computer programming competitions.

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humanities department
HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT - MS. MARIA INES LEANEZ The Ignatian Center for the Arts is the hub of the Humanities Department. The department includes the following subject areas: Art (drawing, painting, sculpture), AP Studio Art, Western Civilization and History of Art (and Honors), AP Art History, Drama and Music, Philosophy and Stagecraft. These subjects are taught as formal academic courses, but the theoretical knowledge becomes real in the facilities of the Center. The school presents three drama performances annually. Eight years ago, the theater was inaugurated with performances of Death of a Salesman and Fuenteovejuna. More recent seasons have included the plays One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, A Few Good Men and Lord of the Flies, and the Broadway musicals Godspell, West Side Story, Into the Woods, Sound of Music and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
There are required courses in Music, Art and Drama in sixth and seventh grades. The Belen Band Program, started in the Spring of 2005, is open to students with musical talent starting in sixth grade. The twenty-member Drumline enlivens pep-rallies and athletic events. In addition, we have two high school bands (Jazz Band and Concert Band) that have four yearly concerts. The Middle School has three smaller bands for sixth, seventh and eighth grades. For the past four years, the Jazz Band has competed in Disney World and was adjudicated as Excellent in 2008 and received a second place trophy in 2009. In 2010 and in 2011 the Jazz Band received the Golden Mickey for Best in Class and another one for Best Solo. In 2012 the Jazz Band received the second place trophy one more time at the same time that the Concert Band got the Golden Mickey for Best in Class. This same year the Jazz Band releases its first CD and in 2013 they were able to compete in a more challenging competition, the Festivals of Music, in Washington D.C. where they achieved Superior ranking. While in D.C. the Jazz Band performed at a special cocktail reception in front of members of Congress which was hosted by Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. Belens Troupe 4666 of the International Thespian Societys production of Lord of the Flies was adjudicated by state judges in November 2011. For the first time in Belens history the show was selected to present two performances at the State Festival in Tampa in March 2012. In 2013 they captured a rating of excellent in Ensemble Acting and straight superior in Duet Acting, Monologues, Small Group Musical and Solo Musical. In addition, one of the members was named critics choice.

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modern languages department


MODERN LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT - MS. ANNETTE ANTON The Modern Languages Department is privileged to have 14 highly-qualified, experienced and dedicated teachers. Their daily efforts are inspired and challenged by our school mission: ... guide and support our students in their process of becoming men who are proficient in both English and Spanish... so they can work for the promotion of the Catholic faith as leaders in a multicultural society. Spanish is a required course in grades 6th through 10th. There is a program for Spanish speakers (with two Honors sections in each grade) as well as a Foreign Language Program. Courses range from Spanish I through Spanish VII with elective courses that include: Honors Spanish Seminar: People and Cultures of Spanish the Speaking World, as well as Spanish for Professionals which is offered as a dual enrollment course with St. Thomas University. The curriculum also includes two Advanced Placement Courses (Spanish Language and Spanish Literature). Ninety-nine percent of the students who take the Language and Literature AP Exams pass with scores of 3 or higher. In addition, French I and French II are offered as electives.
Many hands-on activities are provided through the years in order to immerse our students in the language, history, culture and current events of foreign countries. Our Language Fair held in October features over 300 projects and posters. Spain, all the Latin American countries, France and Brazil are represented with booths, music and foods. Other competitions in the areas of spelling, verbs, creative writing, proverbs, declamation, speeches and knowledge games are held every year at school and county levels. A Belen Jesuit Spanish Invitational provides competition among many of the local middle schools. Schools are also invited to participate in the annual Advanced Placement Spanish Literature Tertulia. Our students attend the Florida Spanish State Competition in speech, declamation and drama. We have won State Championships for 9 of the past 12 years! The 8th grade Spanish Speech & Writing classes together with the Humanities Department produces a Christmas Concert for students and parents. We believe the dedicated efforts of our faculty, the immersion in culture and language, and the support of our entire school community contribute to our students becoming proficient in Spanish. The department, recognizing the importance of China in the global community, is sponsoring an Overseas Study Program trip to China in June 2014.

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science department
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT - DR. PEDRO A. HERNANDEZ, ED.D. The Science Department aims to educate in the Jesuit tradition by providing all students the opportunity to learn both the theoretical basis and the practical applications of science. Always keeping in mind our core values, students are initiated in the middle-school science curriculum by a challenging Earth & Space Science course in the 6th grade, followed by Life Science in the 7th grade, and Physical Science in the 8th grade. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Anatomy & Physiology are required courses for freshmen, sophomores and juniors respectively. For students who excel in science, honors courses are available. The Science Department offers the following electives: Astronomy, AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics (B & C) and Principles of Engineering.
The Science Department follows the State Standards as well as the National Science Education Standards, which recommend that science must be learned through application. Constructivist methods and inquiry-based approaches are the focus of all science courses and each course involves students in hands-on laboratory applications, demonstration, and technical and analytical writing. All courses require students to complete a minimum number of laboratory practices and to participate in the Science Enrichment Program, which includes but is not limited to, the Invention Convention, Fairchild Tropical Challenge and the South Florida Science and Engineering Fair. In addition, the Science Department works closely with the Belen Jesuit Observatory and Meteorology Station. Built in 1994 with the financial backing of the class of 1972, this facility affords all of our students the opportunity to be involved in the astronomical and meteorological sciences. The observatory and meteorological station are located on the roof of the school and a full-time meteorologist staffs it. It is equipped with state-of-the art equipment such as: an automatic movable dome, a 16-inch computer guided telescope, a CCD camera for astrophotography, 24 hour weather monitoring equipment, SmartBoards and ham radio equipment capable of carrying out conversations with other countries. It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of fulfillment that Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, along with the Science Department, promotes science as a subject, a process, and a method to our students preparing them for the future and ensuring their welfare and that of others; and in the process forming men for others.

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social studies department


SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT - MR. PATRICK COLLINS Middle School students take Geography in Grade 7 and Civics in Grade 8. The High School requires 4.5 credits of Social Studies: World History (one credit), U.S. History (one credit), U.S. Government (one credit), Economics (one half credit), and Latin American History (one credit). High School electives include Psychology (1 credit), and Principles of Business, Management, and Leadership (1 credit). Honors Level is available for Civics, World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Latin American History (English) and Latin American History (Spanish). Six Advanced Placement courses are offered: AP World History, AP U.S. History, AP U.S. Government and Politics, AP Comparative Government and Politics, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Psychology.
In partnership with the Close Up Foundation, the department offers a oneweek seminar in Washington, D.C., for juniors and seniors to study the federal government. Visit: www.belenjesuit.org/closeup The Overseas Study Program was created to broaden the cultural, political, spiritual, and personal perspective of students by traveling for two weeks in the summer to distant lands. Through exploration, experience and reflection, participants encounter insights into Gods good earth and people that are instrumental in the formation of Christian men. In June 2014, OSP provides a customized tour of Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary. Visit: www.belenjesuit.org/osp The Model United Nations program is a simulation of the United Nations. At MUN conferences sponsored by universities, delegates representing nationstates from all over the world deliberate, debate, and develop peaceful solutions to world conflicts. Participants benefit in MUN by advancing in the areas of public speaking, diplomacy and global awareness. Visit: www. belenjesuit.org/mun The department hosts an annual Geography Bee for middle schools from the Archdiocese of Miami. Students from the ninth and tenth grades attend the annual Holocaust Memorial Conference in Miami. In 2012 the department created a chapter of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society and a History Club.

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theology department
THEOLOGY DEPARTMENT - DEACON ROBERT OMALLEY The Theology Department philosophy is centered on the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church, as fostered by our Jesuit roots. The Department strives to help our students seek the magis and grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually by demonstrating that the Church is alive and working in todays world. Promoting this philosophy and core ideology, the Department encourages and emphasizes the importance of prayer, sacraments and living the Catholic, Christian and Ignatian tradition.
Theology classes are part of the required curriculum and are comprehensive, full credit classes. The middle school theology classes meet daily and focus on the Foundations and Essentials of Catholic Faith and the Life of St. Ignatius (6th grade), We Live Our Faith as Disciples of Jesus (7th grade) and We Live Our Faith as Members of the Church (8th grade). High school classes also meet daily and concentrate on the areas of Jesus Christ: His Mission and Ministry through Gods Revelation (9th grade), Jesus Christ: Source of our Salvation and Church (10th grade), Sacraments and Life in Jesus Christ (11th grade) and Encountering Jesus in the New Testament (12th grade). In addition, Belen offers a Peer Ministry as a class to selected students in the high school, as well as a senior honors class on Ignatian Spirituality. All classes encompass the experiential as well as the academic pursuit of religion and its values. Our students are challenged to incorporate these values into their lives through service to the larger communities in which they live following our Ignatian tradition to be men for others.

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did you know?


Belen Jesuit was named for the seventh consecutive year one of the Top 50 U.S. Catholic High Schools by the National Catholic High School Honor Roll Approximately 1,488 students are enrolled in the school Tuition for 2013-2014 is $13,500.00 plus a $350 non-refundable registration fee and a $570 activities fee for all students. Tuition for 2014-2015 is TBA. Belen Jesuit provides $1.8 million in need-based tuition assistance Approximately 26% of students received financial aid last year Eight Jesuit priests are active in the life of the school Over 50 AP and honors courses are offered Students are required to take seven years of theology Students must participate in the schools community service program each year The class of 2013 has eight National Merit Commended Students, two National Merit Semifinalists and one National Merit Finalist Belen Jesuit employs approximately 120 full-time teachers 68% of whom hold advanced degrees The schools student to teacher ratio is 13 to 1 The average class size is 23 Belen Jesuit instructors average 12 years of teaching experience More than 98% of graduates attend four-year colleges and universities The class of 2013 received over $11 million in college scholarships Belen Jesuit offers approximately 65 extracurricular opportunities for students Students may choose from 15 sports & 43 teams Belen Jesuits sports teams have won 15 state championships and 6 academic team championships 59.9% of the student body is involved in athletics and 61% of the student athletes are on the honor roll Approximately 6,300 men for others have graduated from Belen Jesuit

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notes

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notes

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notes

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LEGEND 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Main Office Ramon Guiteras Memorial Library Carlos M. Baranano Technology Center & College Counseling Office Communication Arts & Multimedia Center Raul and Nidia Rodriguez Science Pavillion Villa Javier - Jesuit Residence Building H Classrooms (1st & 2ndFloor) Observatory Building V Classrooms - The Vincam Wing Chapel Garrido Family Plaza School Store Cafeteria

LEGEND (CONTINUED...)

14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29.

Vincam Cafeteria Extension Building F & G Classrooms Roberto C. Goizueta Athletic Center Ignatian Center for the Arts Ophelia & Juan Js. Roca Theater Olga & Carlos Saladrigas Gian Zumpano Aquatic Center Tennis & Basketball Courts Parking Lot de la Cruz Stadium Football Field Soccer Field Baseball Field Restrooms & Concession Stand Storage Administration Building

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